The Mended Rib: A 27-Day Devotional for Men Battling Lust and InfidelitySample

Overcoming the Fear of Failure

The fear of failure can be paralyzing, especially for men who struggle with lust, infidelity, or other sins. You may find yourself thinking, “I’ve failed so many times before—why would this time be any different?” That fear becomes a prison, convincing you that change isn’t possible. But remember, God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear. Instead, He’s given you a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Failure is part of the process, but it doesn’t define you. Each time you stumble, you have a choice: to stay down or get back up and rely on God’s strength to keep moving forward. Fear tells you to give up, but faith tells you to keep fighting.

I remember a time during a couples coaching session when a wife asked me, “Did you ever fear that you would fail again after confessing to your wife?” It’s a valid question because many believe that once someone has been unfaithful, they’re destined to repeat the same mistakes. My answer was a firm "No." That confidence didn’t come easily—it came through learning tools, making a commitment to my marriage, and putting strategies in place to resist temptation. I developed clear "rules of disengagement" to safeguard myself against falling into sin again.

Fear is not from God, and I refuse to let it dictate my life or my marriage. Failure is not an option. When temptation arises, I immediately turn to my wife. This didn’t happen overnight—it required intentional effort, honesty, and vulnerability. Today, my wife and I have built a relationship rooted in trust, support, and accountability. Fear no longer has the power to control my actions; instead, faith and intentionality guide our journey toward healing and growth.

Challenge

When fear of failure creeps in today, remember that God has given you a spirit of power. Write down 2 Timothy 1:7 and keep it close as a reminder that failure doesn’t define you—God’s power does.

Prayer

God, help me to overcome the fear of failure. Give me the strength to keep moving forward, even when I fall. Remind me that Your power is greater than my weaknesses. Amen.