Image via WikipediaOne of the greatest tools of Satan is fear. Make no mistake about it, he knows exactly how to capitalize on the slightest opening of fear in our lives as spiritual leaders. If someone tells to you that they never fear, then they are have told a lie. The truth of the matter is that everyone has fears. Some even have them to the extent we call them phobias. In spite of this reality, the Bible has a 3 fold remedy for fear of failure in ministry. Let us take this biblical prescription without delay!
The Reality Of Fear…
The Apostle Paul addressed the issue of fear with a younger preacher named Timothy. As Brother Timothy’s fatherly figure, Paul encouraged him about his fears in a very practical way. He wrote him two letters, both of which we have in our Bibles. Specifically, in the second letter, Paul wrote about the fact of timidity and shame concerning his own imprisonment. Timothy knew, unlike many of us, how that standing for Christ could literally cost you everything. It was only natural for this young preacher to have fears, and the aged apostle understood this. He helped him by the reminder of what God HAS given us and what He HAS NOT given us. Consider…
(2 Timothy 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (KJV)
Fears And Facts…
Fact. There are legitimate things that should concern us. However, this concern should not be nurtured to the point of fear and worry.
Fact. When fear and worry is nurtured in a particular area, then we have stopped looking at things from the faith perspective, but from a fear perspective.
Fact. Fear is a consuming cancer if left unchecked! Pastors must conquer this eroding current in their character.
One of the biggest fears a pastor has is that of failure!
One of the biggest fears a pastor has is that of failure! Failure to lead the church in the manner in which Christ wants him to, failure to move the congregation from point “A” to point “B”, and failure to provide the leadership that would be favorable for great spiritual growth are just a few of the issues that concern pastors. While there are many failure scenarios one could consider, no pastor want to fail in any of them! There is hope… for the Bible has a remedy for the fear of failure in ministry.
3 Fold Biblical Remedy For Fear Of Failure In Ministry
#1 – God Has Given Us The Spirit Of Power!
From the aforementioned text above, the Apostle Paul reminds us that God has not given us a mental disposition (spirit) of fear, but of power. That word “power” is speaking of a supernatural power, an ability, a strength from God alone.
Think about it this for a minute. How can we serve the Lord without His strength and power? When spiritual leaders, such as pastors, fear of failing in some way, then they are relying upon themselves. This cannot be! Every pastor must depend upon God’s power to accomplish the tasks that lay before them!
#2 – God Has Given Us The Spirit Of Love!
The love Paul referred to is that of God’s love for man. It is “agape” love… sacrificial love! Not only has He displayed His love through Jesus Christ, but He has given us that same love. When one considers the ramifications of this, then one is moved to show this same love toward others. As pastors lead their people with this kind of love at the helm, then failure is not so fearful. Mistakes will happen, but love shown and received take the sting away!
#3 – God Has Given Us The Spirit Of A Sound Mind!
When the Apostle speaks of a sound mind, he is talking about self control or temperance. When we have our minds centered upon godliness, and virtuous things then we can be better equipped to walk closer to the Lord. Simply thinking good thoughts does not take care of fear, but it does provide fertile ground for the Holy Ghost of God to mature us with self control. This will, in turn, helps us to hold up our shield of faith and not become casualties of fear and worry!
Conclusion…
Though everyone has fears, the fear of failure in ministry can be curtailed when we take God’s prescription for it. Often, fear points us toward things we don’t have or don’t have control over. Rather than focusing on what we don’t have, we should embrace what God has given us!God’s Power, God’s Love, and God’s Temperament will combat fear of failure every time!
