Most people are afraid of failure, but Peter was afraid of success.

He had already been out on the water all night trying to catch some fish, but they just weren’t biting. He was frustrated and back on shore when Jesus invited himself onto Peter’s boat. Jesus told him to put out the nets one more time. Even though this was the worst time of day to fish, Peter made a miraculous catch. It scared him. 

“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” (Luke 5:8).

Peter was afraid of success because it brought attention to how much of a failure he really was. He did not want the spotlight. He considered himself unworthy.

Have you ever felt afraid of success? Do you feel unworthy when people compliment you?

Like Peter, we should acknowledge that we are sinful too. But also, like Peter, we should not let our sinfulness limit what God wants to do through us.

Jesus came into your life not because you were worthy of him but because you were in need of him. Through his work he made you forgiven, holy, and blameless in God’s eyes. When he came to you, he had a purpose for you.

There will be good fruit that simply comes from following Jesus. Don’t get shy when people notice it. Thank God for what he’s doing in you and through you. Honor him in your success.