Success and Fear: Overcoming Obstacles

Key Themes

• Success is not avoiding or evading you; you are avoiding it.
• Fear of success is common and can stem from a variety of misconceptions.
• Success does not take away from others; it can generate more success and benefits for many.

Fear of Success

• Some people fear that their success will mean others' failure.
• Misconception: Making too much money means there is less for others, similar to holding breath to conserve air.
• Success has byproducts; it can positively impact others who you may never meet.

Misinterpretation of Wealth in Religion

• Misinterpretation of Matthew 19: Easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter Heaven.
• Important to understand all of scripture to avoid misinterpretation.
• Wealth does not prevent one from entering Heaven; it’s about how it’s used and the intentions behind it.

Biblical Examples and Lessons from Judges 6

• Story of Gideon: Israelites did evil, were oppressed by Midianites for seven years as punishment.
• Enemies: World, Flesh, and Devil attack us in ambitions, appetites, and attitudes.
• Importance of focusing on what God thinks about you rather than others' perceptions.
• Worldly desires and people-pleasing equate to worldliness.

Lessons from Gideon's Story

• Fear controls you; only God should have control over your life.
• God's strength is made perfect in our weakness; he qualifies the called, rather than calling the qualified.
• Perception and self-doubt: Gideon doubted himself because of his circumstances but was reassured by God's promise.
• God’s assignments come with His support and assurance.

Call to Action

• Walk in your might and use what you already have to fulfill God's calling.
• Importance of faith and perseverance even when facing doubts (Gideon's fleece example).
• We do not need physical signs (fleeces) today; we have the Word of God.
• Step up to challenges and fulfill your purpose despite fears and doubts.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Misconceptions

• Self-perception can be misguided by external influences (teachers, parents, peers).
• God created you for greatness and you need to acknowledge that.
• Success and challenges are part of God’s plan for you.

Practical Example and Personal Story

• Speaker’s experience of overcoming ridicule and bullying by following his father's advice.
• Courage and action lead to respect and overcoming obstacles.
• Real-world application: facing fears and taking action as a pathway to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Conclusion

• Embrace the challenges and understand that you were created for and called to success.
• Do not let fear or external opinions hold you back from fulfilling your potential and purpose.