What Moses and Kobe Bryant Teach Us About Failure.

Failure: Fear It or Redefine It?

Failure is one of life’s constants. But how you deal with it changes everything. Let’s look at two very different examples: Moses and Kobe Bryant. Two lives, two approaches to failure, but one undeniable truth—failure doesn’t define you.

The Story of Moses: Fear of Failure

When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, his first reaction wasn’t confidence. It was fear.

• “What if they don’t believe me?”

• “I’m not a good speaker.”

• “Please, God, send someone else!”

Moses feared failure because he focused on his weaknesses. He couldn’t see past what he lacked. But here’s the thing: God doesn’t call the prepared—He prepares the called.

God wasn’t looking for perfection. He was looking for trust. And when Moses stepped forward, God equipped him with everything he needed.

The Kobe Bryant Perspective: Redefining Failure

Now let’s look at Kobe. His approach to failure couldn’t have been more different. He didn’t fear failure—he embraced it. Kobe said: "The story continues. If you fail on Monday, the only way it’s a failure is if you decide not to progress from that. To me, that’s why failure is non-existent. If I fail today, I’m going to learn something from that failure. I’m going to try again."

For Kobe, failure was part of the journey. It wasn’t personal—it was progress.

Two Perspectives, One Truth

Moses and Kobe offer two views on failure. Moses was paralyzed by fear because he focused on what he lacked. Kobe redefined failure as a stepping stone to success.

Here’s the truth they both show us: failure isn’t final. It’s either a wall you stop at or a hurdle you leap over. The choice is yours.

What’s Holding You Back?

So, what about you? Are you afraid to fail like Moses, focusing on your shortcomings? Or are you ready to embrace failure like Kobe, seeing it as an opportunity to grow?

Fear whispers:

• “You’re not good enough.”

• “If you fail, people won’t love you.”

• “That dream is too big for you.”

But God says:

• Proverbs 24:16: The righteous fall seven times but rise again.

• 2 Timothy 1:7: You weren’t given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control.

• Joshua 1:9: Be strong and courageous. God is with you.

What Failure Can Teach Us

Here’s the deal: failure is inevitable. Even Moses stumbled when he first tried to confront Pharaoh. Even Kobe missed countless shots in his career. But the lesson is clear—failure isn’t about falling. It’s about what you do next.

Kobe’s lesson: The story continues. If you learn from failure and try again, you’re already winning. Moses’ lesson: Trust God to equip you. When you take a step in faith, He’ll meet you there.

Final Thought: Failure Is Part of the Process

If Moses had let fear stop him, he would’ve missed out on the incredible purpose God had for his life. If Kobe had let failure define him, he wouldn’t have become one of the greatest athletes of all time.

God isn’t asking you to be perfect—He’s asking you to trust Him. Step out in faith today. Failure isn’t final—it’s just another step toward the life God is calling you to live.