“Do something every day that scares you.” This is a statement often misquoted, misattributed to Eleanor Roosevelt. What she actually said is, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” Yet, that misquote is a succinct summation, and it has stuck in my head.
I am a logical person. I rarely make emotional decisions although I certainly pass through a wide range of emotions. I realized I sometimes hide my fears behind ‘logic’. I’m afraid to take chances and use logic and probability to convince myself why I should not stretch myself- why not to reach too high or too far.
But then I read John 10:10. This is where Jesus declares He came to give us life, and give it abundantly. Hmm. That may not seem too logical.
I kept “bumping” into the above misquote last year as I prayed over my goals for 2021. As I prayed last fall, He was stretching me. Stretching me way beyond my comfort zone. He has placed crazy opportunities before me. Things I would never author, or even dream would be for me. As I considered each opportunity, I prayed. I also would then put out a ‘fleece’. I would ask others to pray for confirmation- I did not want to excitedly run ahead of God. (Yes, I’ve done that a time or two before!)
Amazingly, it was a green light. And I was scared! Yet, I went after it, breathing deeply when necessary, reminding myself that I am simply the vessel. I tried to knock myself out of the way.
I joined a leadership development group. The books and discussions are amazing and I have learned so much. But the women I am coming to know, their stories, their faith; God is inspiring and growing me!
I pushed myself to use technology so I could participate in virtual speech competitions. Somehow I landed in an intense competition surrounded by incredible speakers with amazingly inspirational messages- those true stories touched my heart and soul, leaving me once again in wonder at our great God.
I want that abundant life Jesus promised. Oh, not to diminish the gift of eternal life, but how awesome is it that He also wants to bless the here and now too! That it’s okay to step out in faith when He’s calling us beyond our comfort zones, growing us into who He envisioned as He knit us together inside our mother’s wombs.
Yes, I am timidly stepping out. Yes, I am doing things that scare me. Many feel just too big, too much for me. Why do I think I ought to do this? Because as I pray, I sense God saying ‘Go!’ Oh, I ask, almost beg for Him to stop me before I make a colossal mistake. But even if it doesn’t end how I might author, what truly matters is my obedience to Him.
He came to give us life and give it abundantly.
I bet you want abundant life today too! Maybe like me, you need to learn to listen to His voice- not just the voice inside your head saying ‘no way I could ever do that!’ Or, listing off the statistics that declare it’s practically impossible.
Listen to His voice, declaring over you, my child, I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future with hope.
Success isn’t defined by the world’s standards. It is defined in our obedience to God’s directions. And His directions might carry us out of our comfort zones. Those directions might scare us silly; but obedience is the place we absolutely need to reside.
Will you join me in praying for a steadfast heart that longs to obey Him?
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know what your plans are for my life. I want to be a vessel- help me get me out of the way so Your plans for me can come to fruition. Any thing You do is Your success- not mine. Please help me step out in faith and surrender my days, my plans, and my hopes to You. Open my eyes to what You author for me and grant me the faith to step into it, In Jesus’ name, Amen.