Wise Investments

Afraid of failing? 

"I was afraid, and went and hid your talent." Matthew 25:25 NKJV 

What would you attempt today if you weren’t afraid of failing? In Matthew 25:14-30, a wealthy businessman entrusted his entire estate to three key workers. He gave the first five talents, the second two talents, and the third one talent. Now when you realize that in Bible times, one talent was about 15 years’ salary, you begin to grasp what an opportunity this was. It was a defining moment that gave each of them the opportunity to: a) test their skills in the market; b) develop personal initiative; c) practice good judgment; and, d) profit from their investment. And two men did exactly that, but the third was afraid of failing. He decided to play it safe, so he buried his talent. Note: he wasn’t judged for what he did; he was judged for doing nothing. In fact, Jesus called him wicked and lazy! (See Matthew 25:26.) 

Fear of failure will always make you want to bury your gift. Unless you have the courage to start, you’re already finished! When God commissioned people like Moses, Gideon, Deborah, and Esther, they all had to overcome their natural fears. So will you! Fear of poverty made Jacob deceive his father. Fear of starvation made the Israelites want to run back to Egypt. Fear of their critics made the disciples forsake Jesus in His darkest hour, and it made Peter deny Him three times! Refuse to let fear stop you! 

How you use the gifts God has given you is a matter of the utmost importance. The truth is, it’s the basis upon which you’ll be judged! 

Prayer point:

Lord, I repent of any fear that I have allowed to sway my thoughts and decisions. I know that fear causes me to forget the greatness of Your power, and so I ask You now to renew my spirit and help set my mind afresh. I pray that I would, instead, tackle each challenge with courage and faith in the God I serve! Amen.