Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Do you ever struggle with feelings of failure? Do you have those times when you feel you are hopeless and have lost your dignity? When you have prepared a presentation, and it didn’t come off the way you had intended, or maybe you said something that you didn’t articulate clearly enough, and you feel like you have blown it – and that you are a failure?
The Old Testament gives us several examples of great men that were used by God that had problems with a lack of self-confidence in their leadership abilities. Moses was one, and then Joshua. They both had a fear of being a failure:
- Moses in Exodus 4:1;10-15 had felt he was not “eloquent” in speaking. He had a fear of speaking before a group of people and regarded himself as inferior in that arena. He spoke three to four languages and his original language, spoken by the children of Israel, he had not spoken since he was perhaps three years old.
- Moses overcame his fear of failure in speaking, however, by relying entirely on God helping him through it all since it is reported in Deuteronomy 34:8;10-12 that when he died the people mourned – wept for 30 days!
- Joshua, God’s appointed and commissioned successor of Moses, had a fear of failure repeatedly regarding his leadership skills and winning battles of war. Joshua struggled with lack of self-confidence in being the army’s military leader, and God had to tell him three times to “be strong and courageous,” and then God even told Joshua not to be frightened; “do not be discouraged (Joshua 1:9).” God reassured Joshua more than once of his value in leadership as Joshua led the Israelites to capture towns west of the Jordan River and 31 kings were defeated under Joshua’s command (Joshua 12:7-24)!
What can we learn from Moses and Joshua in fighting against our fears of failure?
- Obeying God’s instructions was the key to success for Moses and Joshua.
- Obedience is what we can control although we can’t always control our understanding of the facts surrounding our circumstances.
- We can control our choice to obey God.
Questions
What lie(s) are you being tempted in when you have felt discouraged and less than good enough this week? Discouragement can lead to sin such as anger, bitterness, and resentment. Search your heart and be aware. Confess to God what is needed.
What promise of God can you recite to yourself, so you remember God’s compassion and faithfulness despite any feelings of frustrations when you feel you have blown it? Was it due to any lack of obedience to God? If not keep on keeping on for God’s glory.
Our responsibility is to obey God and continue to serve Him in all that we do and say. God will provide his ultimate and divine and astounding outcome, no matter who or what gets in the way. Commit your battle to God. He cares. He knows. He loves you more than you can comprehend.