Is “failure is not an option,” a saying supported or rejected by the Bible?
Luke 9:1-5 - When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
When you're rejected for doing the right thing, don't let it stick to you. When you fail when doing God's work, learn what you can and move forward.
Proverbs 24:16 - The righteous may fall seven times but still get up, but the wicked will stumble into trouble.
What is the strength of the righteous that allows him to rise after repeated failure? This next verse has the answer.
Philippians 4:11–13 - Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
It's Jesus who strengthens us to do the otherwise impossible. The world may say that humiliation, a low bank account, or going hungry is not an option for the successful. Don't trust in your strength to avoid failure. Trust in Jesus' strength to keep you moving toward your spiritual finish line.