Sometimes, the fear of failure causes us to freeze. We simply can’t make a decision for fear it will be the wrong one. And sometimes, the fear of failure causes us to take matters into our own hands. No time to wait for God. After all, it’s your job, your career, your marriage, your children. You know what’s best. You say, “I will not fail! Here’s what I must do!” Fear makes us unpredictable. Sometimes, we fight; sometimes, we freeze. That’s what happened to a man named King Saul.

Saul and his army had been backed into a corner. They were heavily outnumbered by an approaching Philistine army. So, Saul took matters into his own hands and disobeyed God’s instruction. The consequences were dire. You can read the story in 1 Samuel 13. Saul’s failure cost him the kingdom. He sat paralyzed under a pomegranate tree as his men looked for leadership.

How about you? Are you frozen by failure? Sitting paralyzed while your family is looking for your leadership? Take a lesson from Saul’s son, Jonathan.

While Saul was at a standstill, Jonathan was on the move. Although outnumbered, he knew God was on his side. He decided to go up against the enemy, trusting in God’s presence and power. Here’s what Jonathan told his armorbearer.

1 Samuel 14:6
…It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.

Jonathan knew that victory or defeat was in God’s hands. He moved forward believing in the One who is always bigger and stronger than the many. While Saul was immobilized by fear, God used Jonathan as his instrument. So, Scripture says, “the Lord saved Israel that day” (1 Samuel 14:23).

Are you ready for God to break through in your life? Are you ready for him to move on your behalf? Are you ready to be used as an instrument of God? Time to get up and move from the fear of past failure. Today is a new day, filled with new mercies and a fresh dose of God’s power! “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving.” It’s your day to move forward!

Father,
Help me get up and move forward. Rid me of yesterday’s failure so I can look forward to tomorrow’s victory. Remove the fear and help me follow hard after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.