25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ 26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

• Matthew 25:25-29NIV

1) REMEMBER EVERYBODY FAILS IN MANY WAYS

2 We ALL stumble in many ways...

• James 3:2 NIV

20 Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one does what is right and never sins.

• Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV

2) REMEMBER NO FAILURE IS FINAL UNLESS I GIVE UP

16 For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, ...

• Proverbs 24:16 NIV

9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

• Galatians 6:9 NLT

3) REMEMBER FAILURE IS THE PATH TO SUCCESS IF I'M HUMBLE & WILLING TO LEARN FROM IT

13 A man who refuses to admit his mistakes will never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.

• Proverbs 28:13 TLB

11 These are all warning markers - danger! - in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel - they at the beginning, we at the end - and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were.

• 1 Corinthians 10:11 MSG

4) REMEMBER THAT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, GOD'S PROMISES TO USE IT FOR GOOD IN MY LIFE

28 And we know that in all things God works for THE GOOD of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

• Romans 8:28 NIV

11 And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you're come out of this with purity of heart.

• 2 Corinthians 7:11 MSG

1) REFUSE TO COMPARE MYSELF TO OTHERS

4 Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done and won't need to compare himself with someone else.

• Galatians 6:4 TLB

12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

• 2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV

2) REDEFINE THE MEANING OF FAILURE

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God...

• Hebrews 11:16 NIV

29 ... "According to your faith it will be done to you."

• Matthew 9:29 NIV

3) REFOCUS ON GOD'S LOVE FOR ME & OTHERS

18 Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect love drives out fear..

• 1 John 4:18 NCV

7 Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. 8 Love never comes to an end. ...

• 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 NIV

4) REPLACE MY FEAR WITH FAITH IN JESUS

13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

• Philippians 4:13 GNT

10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

• Isaiah 41:10 ESV

7 God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.

• 2 Timothy 1:7 NCV