Why Fear of Success Could Be Holding You Back

Ever sensed God was positioning you for something great, and you felt terrified instead of ready?

There is such a thing as fear of success.

It sounds ridiculous at face value; who doesn't want to succeed?!

Fear of success can show itself as impostor syndrome - not feeling worthy of the achievement - and therefore sabotaging every opportunity.

There's that saying, a poor mindset is where one passes over opportunity repeatedly. And I'm not just talking about money because even those with money can exhibit poor mindsets.

We all possess God-given talents that we either use to their full potential and multiply or live beneath their potential and never activate the mechanism for multiplication. Despite all indications of this divine blessing, we may live in a state of lack, of not being capable or not feeling good enough.

This is a common trap for people who are naturally talented or whom God has called to positions of influence. We want to earn it, to work very hard, perhaps to prove to ourselves and others that we are deserving of this accolade, achievement, or attention.

We have bought into the lie of modern culture that says, "you must strive".

But what if God has been moulding you from birth, for this very moment? And every obstacle, delay, closed door, opportunity, and misstep was the process of preparation.

What if we are misinterpreting the feelings of undeservedness and misplacing our focus by thinking it's all about us? When they are merely signals to keep us humble and reliant on the Lord. Nudges to reverence God's power working through us. Reminders to keep our eyes on Him.

And if this is true (put this to the test), then fear of success is a distraction.

King David, the Great, knew this very well. When the people chanted, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." (1 Samuel 18: 7) -- it didn't get to his head or heart.

David knew it was all the work of God. Perhaps that's why he danced with abandon, praising God. He looked foolish, a King dancing before his people like a common man-- BUT, dancing before God like His servant.

We often overlook this important truth in modern cultures of self-made success: that there is no such thing.

King David understood that all his success was due to his being chosen by God.

Not to say that the life of David was easy or lacked challenges, but the magnitude of the victory he experienced could only be a gift from God.

God was establishing every victory. [Success isn't about us.]

Consider when David defeated Goliath. Men of great skill in war, experienced warriors stood by, trembling at the sight of Goliath. King Saul laughed at the thought that David wanted to fight Goliath. These people were not crazy. What they missed was the revelation that God would give David the victory to show the Philistines that they could not defeat God's chosen people.

It astounded David that God would establish his Kingdom: "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?"( 2 Samuel 7:18 ) David understood the concept of being a servant of God. A vessel for God's purposes. Truly "a man after God's own heart." Asking at every turn what his next move should be, and if God would bless his actions. ---The Bible is rich with lessons for us all.

“After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." (Acts 13:22)

An obedient heart that seeks first the will of God. That pleased God.

David was not perfect; only Jesus Christ was perfect.

Why then do we fear success? Maybe because we’ve been taught to believe it’s about us.

And deep down, we know that’s not true.

If we misplace the glory, then yes, success should terrify us.

Because we fall out of alignment with God’s purpose.

But what if we:

Stop and ask God to direct our steps.

Praise him with abandon at every turn.

Allow Him to use us to bless His people.

Accept our role and duty as servants of the Almighty.

Then what is there to fear?

Let success point upward.

Let every win reflect His hand.

Let your success be your worship.

May God's name be lifted high with every victory He delivers into your hands.

Blessings,

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