What is something you want to do, but you’re just not sure you can? I would venture to say that we all have at least one thing. It could be related to testing our limits. Like skydiving, bungee jumping, or riding in a hot air balloon. It could be related to performing. Like singing in a band, speaking to a large group of people, or taking a role in a community play. It could be related to our dreams. Like going back to school, quitting our job to stay home with the kids, or starting a new business.
No matter what our “thing” is, there’s a common denominator between all of us. Fear.
Why don’t we think we can do it? Because we’re afraid. Afraid of getting hurt. Afraid of looking ridiculous. Afraid of messing up. Afraid of freezing up. Afraid of chickening out in front of other people. Afraid of disappointing someone. Afraid of making the wrong decision. Afraid of the unknown.
Afraid of failing.
We don’t try things we’d like to try. We don’t step out for fear we’ll take a wrong step. We convince ourselves that the risk is greater than the reward, even when the risk is miniscule.
Albert Einstein, arguably one of the smartest men to ever live, once said, “The person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Einstein struggled with failure. Some reports indicate that as a child he couldn’t speak sentences until the age of 9 and his parents thought he was retarded. He failed his first University Entrance Exam. He was challenged by leading scientists as he challenged them and their theories. But he never gave up. This genius knew that the outcome wouldn’t be success or failure. The outcome would be a leap higher than where he was before.
Here’s truth: Failure isn’t trying something and not succeeding. Failure is not trying it at all.
Each time we try something and don’t achieve the intended outcome, we learn what not to do. We learn what doesn’t work. And we’re one step closer to finding out what does. We learn what to try next time.
Our culture is so caught up in appearances and success that many of us are terrified to try something new. What if we’re not good at it? What if someone is better? What if we look stupid? What if we get scared? What if…?
But what if we are good at it? What if this could be a turning point in our life? What if we have the thrill of a lifetime and can share pictures to prove it?
Here’s the line of questions we should be asking ourselves: Why not try it? What do I really have to lose? What’s the worst thing that could happen? Instead of convincing ourselves not to try something new, let’s pray for guidance and step out in faith as God leads.
If God’s in it, then go!
Get excited. Lean on God for strength. Ask a friend to encourage you, especially when fear starts creeping in. Be in the Word daily to hear from God. Speak confidently even if you feel unsure. Smile and let endorphins do their job!
Look at yourself in the mirror and boldly proclaim, “Yes you can!”
Some of us want to cross something off our bucket list. Some of us want to start moving in a different direction. Some of us just want to get through the current storms of life. No matter where we are, if we’re standing on the Rock of Christ we can do anything. No fear!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
May I pray?
God, You alone can fill us with strength and peace. And through You we can truly do all things. Lord, encourage us today to bring our requests to You. Whether we want to experience the thrill of adventure, or pursue a dream, or find the strength to endure a continuing hardship, You are waiting for us to come to You. May we trust You as we stand boldly today and proclaim, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Yes, I can!” Amen.
Q4U: What is something you want to do, but you’re just not sure you can?