The Role of Faith –
When it comes to preparing mentally for success, the role of faith cannot be understated.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
You may be thinking, “What does fear have to do with faith?” In this verse, the Greek word for fear means faithlessness. If you won’t get out of the boat like Peter did, you are more than likely held in the grips of fear.
If God tells you to do something and you won’t do it, what other explanation can you apply? Not having the faith to do what God tells you to do is simply fear.
When it comes to success, we tend to be afraid of 3 things: succeeding, failing, and what other folks will say or do.
Fear of Succeeding
Do you not trust God? Do you not want the responsibility? Do you not want the commitment?
Make a list of whatever it is. Pray about it. Be honest with yourself. Maybe you aren’t passionate about it because you don’t have clear direction from God.
Personally, my biggest fear is succeeding at something that I have not thought out as well as I should have. The amount of time, energy, etc. to maintain the direction it carries me could keep me out of God’s will if I don’t build it according to His plan. I want to walk down the center of His will for me, and I believe that it will be what He has designed me to do – what He had in mind when He created me. I don’t want anything less than what God has for me.
Maybe that is where you are?
If so, pray for direction. Then aggressively chase the dream He gives you. Ask Him for each detail as you go.
Fear of Failing
This holds a lot of folks back. But think of it this way. Doing nothing is a form of failure in that it is a lack of success at what you want to achieve simply because you did not try. You already know what that looks like. It’s where you are before you start.
Honestly, if you know the risks of what you are doing, and you are prepared to deal with the result, why be afraid of it?
Fear of the Perception of Others
Why do you care? Is it not about serving God?
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
LIFE APPLICATION
The challenge is to prepare mentally by having more faith in God. Realize that the direction He leads is the plan. Success can be intimidating, but you really do have a better handle on it than most if you are looking before you leap. Most folks don’t regret failing, but they do regret never trying. When it comes to the perception of others, remember that it’s better to please God.