Yesterday we began looking at failure’s family tree. I talked about failure to launch—when we know what we ought to do, and can’t seem to get started. The Bible says that if we know the good we ought to do and don’t do it, that’s sin (James 4).
I’m an initiator. I don’t usually procrastinate. I get stuff started. My problem is door number two: Failure due to not following through. 
The freshness of new ideas invigorate me. I’m energized by seeing the world in a new way, and I love to launch stuff. I even like to finish things. It’s the in-between part I find difficult.
Development.
I’ve started something like twenty books and finished four of them. I thrive on getting started, which for me, is the easy part. The hard part is pushing through the internal resistance that rises up when the novelty wears off and hard work is staring me in the face. When I realize the initial idea was great, but needs an overhaul to keep shining and reach it’s potential. Ugh. No thanks.
But that’s sin, too.
Imagine if Jesus had gotten all excited about coming to earth and being born in a stable but never really got around to growing up to be our Savior?
What if Edison had jumped up and down with the revelation that electricity could be harnessed but hadn’t taken the time to invent a thousand ways not to make a light bulb?
What if God threw a party in heaven for every sinner that repented, patted us on the back, and then wished us good luck until we got to heaven?
When I bump into a challenge after launch, fear rises up. The same fear I discussed yesterday: What if I don’t have what it takes? But again, I need to remember that God won’t judge me for not having what it takes. He will, however, hold me accountable for not doing what I can.
It’s all wrong. God, help me to follow through.