James 1:12-15
"Happy is the man who meets trial with steadfast constancy because, when he has shown himself of sterling worth, he will receive the Crown of Life which He has promised to those who love him. Let no man say when he is tempted . "My temptation comes from God." For God himself is untemptable by evil and tempts no man. But temptation comes to every man, because he is lured on and seduced by his own desire; then desire conceives and begets sin; and, when sin has reached its full development it spawns death."
If you meet trials with steadfast consistency you will-
A) Be a man of sterling worth,
which means that you have been perfected, and all your weaknesses have been removed.
B) You will receive the Crown of Life,
The Crown is a symbol of honor, royalty, and dignity. It would be worn at feasts, weddings, and other joyful times.
C) You will be happy.
Verses 13-15 explains that when we are tempted, that the temptation does not come from God; because God cannot be tempted, and he tempts no one. Instead temptation comes when we are lured into sin by our own selfish desires.
Also, a warning that James gives, is when temptation is fully formed, it brings sin, and sin will lead to death.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
James 1:9-11
"Let the lowly brother be proud of his exaltation; and let the rich brother be proud of his humiliation; for he will pass away like a flower of the field. The sun rises with the scorching wing and withers the grass, and the flower wilts, and the beauty of its form is destroyed. So the rich will wither away in all his ways."
James believed that Christianity would bring everyone to how they should be. The poor will be exalted, and the rich will be humbled. So the poor man will learn that he matters and has a purpose, and the rich man will learn humility.
One way I can apply this is to view and treat everyone the same, and not judge others by their appearances. Which is something I really struggle with. A quote in the Barclay commentary is "Call no man worthless for whom Christ died." Another application from this verse is to not put your trust in temporary things, or things of this world, because the things of this world will not last.
"Let the lowly brother be proud of his exaltation; and let the rich brother be proud of his humiliation; for he will pass away like a flower of the field. The sun rises with the scorching wing and withers the grass, and the flower wilts, and the beauty of its form is destroyed. So the rich will wither away in all his ways."
James believed that Christianity would bring everyone to how they should be. The poor will be exalted, and the rich will be humbled. So the poor man will learn that he matters and has a purpose, and the rich man will learn humility.
One way I can apply this is to view and treat everyone the same, and not judge others by their appearances. Which is something I really struggle with. A quote in the Barclay commentary is "Call no man worthless for whom Christ died." Another application from this verse is to not put your trust in temporary things, or things of this world, because the things of this world will not last.
Friday, December 6, 2013
James 1:5-8
"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask it from God, who gives generously to all men and never casts up the gift, and it will be given to him. Let him ask in faith, with no doubts in his mind; for he who oscillates between doubts is like a surge of the sea, wind-driven and blown hither and thither. Let not that man think that he will receive anything form the Lord, a man with a divided mind, inconsistent in all his ways."
A definition of wisdom from the Websters dictionary is "the ability to understand what is right, true or enduring; good judgement; knowledge"
When we ask God for wisdom we need to remember 2 things mentioned in the Barclay commentary.
1. That God gives generously, and will never cast up/take back the gifts (wisdom)
Also, that God is the only one who can give us wisdom. Working on wisdom is an on-going process it is not just a flick of a switch and suddenly you are wise. It takes being in the Word, and in prayer. And Proverbs 13:20 says "whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." So we need to discern who we spend time with, because we tend to become like the people around us.
For me, I need to chose my friends wisely, by paying attention to: what movies they watch, what video games they play, how they dress (generally how you dress portrays what you are like. But that is not true for all people) also how they talk, (What they say when they are "joking around") and if they are disrespectful to their authority, parents, siblings, friends.
2. And we need to remember how to ask.
We need to ask with confidence. We also need to know Gods power, and his desire/willingness to give. There is a fine line between confidence and pride, it is very important to discern the difference. For me, I need to be consistent with my prayer, and bible reading. I struggle with using my time wisely, and being in the word as often as I could, because there are things that seem more fun to do in the moment, such as playing guitar, video games, movies, etc.
"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask it from God, who gives generously to all men and never casts up the gift, and it will be given to him. Let him ask in faith, with no doubts in his mind; for he who oscillates between doubts is like a surge of the sea, wind-driven and blown hither and thither. Let not that man think that he will receive anything form the Lord, a man with a divided mind, inconsistent in all his ways."
A definition of wisdom from the Websters dictionary is "the ability to understand what is right, true or enduring; good judgement; knowledge"
When we ask God for wisdom we need to remember 2 things mentioned in the Barclay commentary.
1. That God gives generously, and will never cast up/take back the gifts (wisdom)
Also, that God is the only one who can give us wisdom. Working on wisdom is an on-going process it is not just a flick of a switch and suddenly you are wise. It takes being in the Word, and in prayer. And Proverbs 13:20 says "whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." So we need to discern who we spend time with, because we tend to become like the people around us.
For me, I need to chose my friends wisely, by paying attention to: what movies they watch, what video games they play, how they dress (generally how you dress portrays what you are like. But that is not true for all people) also how they talk, (What they say when they are "joking around") and if they are disrespectful to their authority, parents, siblings, friends.
2. And we need to remember how to ask.
We need to ask with confidence. We also need to know Gods power, and his desire/willingness to give. There is a fine line between confidence and pride, it is very important to discern the difference. For me, I need to be consistent with my prayer, and bible reading. I struggle with using my time wisely, and being in the word as often as I could, because there are things that seem more fun to do in the moment, such as playing guitar, video games, movies, etc.
Friday, November 22, 2013
I have not blogged in a really long time, so I am going to start reading James, and I will post some things I read. I will also be reading the Barclay commentary on James.
James 1:1-
James, the slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends greetings to the twelve tribes who are scattered throughout the world.
In the beginning of the verse it says that James is "the slave of God."
the definition of slave is "one that is completely subservient (obviously submissive) to a dominating influence" so he is saying he is completely obedient to God.
The commentary breaks down the word "slave". In Jame's language the word for slave at that time was "doulos" which means had a sense of pride about being Gods slave/doulos. Along with being fully obedient, humble and loyal to Him.
So James was a sold out follower of God, he showed that in the very first verse. If we are supposed to be Gods "doulos" we should be obviously submissive to His will. Also we should have a sense of pride that we are Christians.
I do not feel like right now I could say "Samuel the slave of Christ," because I am not obviously submissive to God, and I struggle with having a sense of pride that I am a Christian. For me to apply this verse I have to not only know what God commands of me, but actually live it out.
James 1:2-4
James never suggested that Christianity would be an easy way to live your life.
James 2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
So James is telling his readers that they will experience trials, or "periasmos" which is not necessarily temptation, it is more like testing to achieve a goal, for example: training for a marathon.
In the commentary it says-
"The steadfastness you will achieve will make you-
1. Perfect/finished
2. Complete
3. Deficient in nothing."
A trial for me is to have a good attitude even if I am feeling put out for whatever reason. for example, when I have to do chores in the morning. And pretty much whenever I have to do something I do not want to do, like going grocery shopping, or going somewhere I do not want to go, or mowing the lawn. Including me being to lazy to even put a post on my blog!
If we deal with trials in the right way, it will produce perseverance, or steadfastness in our life.
James 1:1-
James, the slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends greetings to the twelve tribes who are scattered throughout the world.
In the beginning of the verse it says that James is "the slave of God."
the definition of slave is "one that is completely subservient (obviously submissive) to a dominating influence" so he is saying he is completely obedient to God.
The commentary breaks down the word "slave". In Jame's language the word for slave at that time was "doulos" which means had a sense of pride about being Gods slave/doulos. Along with being fully obedient, humble and loyal to Him.
So James was a sold out follower of God, he showed that in the very first verse. If we are supposed to be Gods "doulos" we should be obviously submissive to His will. Also we should have a sense of pride that we are Christians.
I do not feel like right now I could say "Samuel the slave of Christ," because I am not obviously submissive to God, and I struggle with having a sense of pride that I am a Christian. For me to apply this verse I have to not only know what God commands of me, but actually live it out.
James 1:2-4
James never suggested that Christianity would be an easy way to live your life.
James 2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
So James is telling his readers that they will experience trials, or "periasmos" which is not necessarily temptation, it is more like testing to achieve a goal, for example: training for a marathon.
In the commentary it says-
"The steadfastness you will achieve will make you-
1. Perfect/finished
2. Complete
3. Deficient in nothing."
A trial for me is to have a good attitude even if I am feeling put out for whatever reason. for example, when I have to do chores in the morning. And pretty much whenever I have to do something I do not want to do, like going grocery shopping, or going somewhere I do not want to go, or mowing the lawn. Including me being to lazy to even put a post on my blog!
If we deal with trials in the right way, it will produce perseverance, or steadfastness in our life.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Do Hard Things Chapter 9-
I have not blogged in a while, so I am going to get started again...
Taking A Stand-
One hard thing is going against the flow. When your friends may choose a different path it is important (and difficult) to stick with what you believe and not be swayed by the crowd. One phrase in Do Hard Things is "What defines you??" that is a very important question. For example.... you can say you are a Christian all you want, but you are defined by your actions. Meaning, if you just go along with the flow of the world no one will know you are a Christian, you will look like the world. Although in the moment it may seem hard, you will not regret taking a stand, on the right things, Biblical things, in the long run.
An example used a couple weeks ago at youth group was "where ever you are, you are TrueLife" so if you are even out shopping, at school etc. you are reflecting TrueLife. The same is true with Christianity, where ever you are, you represent what it means to be a Christian, a Christ follower. So if you are not acting like a Christian, you will not be a good example of one and you could even turn someone away from Christianity by your choices.
Also, along the lines of doing hard things, I will be singing and playing guitar, along with being on my youth groups worship team for Fine Arts this year!! For my solo I will be singing The Redeemer by Sanctus Real...this would have seemed impossible for me a couple years ago, but I am trying to live out what Do Hard Things is about.
Next Chapter.....Generation Rising
Taking A Stand-
One hard thing is going against the flow. When your friends may choose a different path it is important (and difficult) to stick with what you believe and not be swayed by the crowd. One phrase in Do Hard Things is "What defines you??" that is a very important question. For example.... you can say you are a Christian all you want, but you are defined by your actions. Meaning, if you just go along with the flow of the world no one will know you are a Christian, you will look like the world. Although in the moment it may seem hard, you will not regret taking a stand, on the right things, Biblical things, in the long run.
An example used a couple weeks ago at youth group was "where ever you are, you are TrueLife" so if you are even out shopping, at school etc. you are reflecting TrueLife. The same is true with Christianity, where ever you are, you represent what it means to be a Christian, a Christ follower. So if you are not acting like a Christian, you will not be a good example of one and you could even turn someone away from Christianity by your choices.
Also, along the lines of doing hard things, I will be singing and playing guitar, along with being on my youth groups worship team for Fine Arts this year!! For my solo I will be singing The Redeemer by Sanctus Real...this would have seemed impossible for me a couple years ago, but I am trying to live out what Do Hard Things is about.
Next Chapter.....Generation Rising
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Do Hard Things Chapter 8-
Small Hard Things-
Hard things don't always have to be that big, most often they are small everyday things. For me some small hard things are thinking of others first, being cheerful when I do not feel like it, helping out around the house when I want to do something else, etc. Even the little things are important because they can add up to big things. If I do these small things, think of others first, be cheerful when I don't feel like it, help out around the house when I really want to do something else, it makes harder things easier because I am learning and practicing the right response in the small situations first and I am growing!
But small hard things can become harder than they need to be especially when excuses are made like "these things are not that hard.....I can wait a little longer to get this done" "this is just a little thing, what will this even change??" and "this seems really small compared to what he/she is doing" those are examples of excuses of how small hard things can get pushed off and ignored. If I am not thinking of other first, then it will become easier and easier for me to be more selfish, if I am not cheerful....grumpy around the house then it will make it harder for others around me and it is easier for me to slip into a bad attitude. That's just a small example of how some small things can grow into bigger problems making them even harder to fix and keeping you from what you could be!
I encourage you to start doing small hard things, whatever they are for you (and not forget about them) I listed only a few of my small things but I can think of many more I need to work on! Because we can't just all of a sudden start doing amazing, super hard things, it takes time and effort to get to that point. So why wait until later, or give it a chance to grow into a bigger hard thing to work on???? Start now!
Next chapter.....Taking A Stand
Hard things don't always have to be that big, most often they are small everyday things. For me some small hard things are thinking of others first, being cheerful when I do not feel like it, helping out around the house when I want to do something else, etc. Even the little things are important because they can add up to big things. If I do these small things, think of others first, be cheerful when I don't feel like it, help out around the house when I really want to do something else, it makes harder things easier because I am learning and practicing the right response in the small situations first and I am growing!
But small hard things can become harder than they need to be especially when excuses are made like "these things are not that hard.....I can wait a little longer to get this done" "this is just a little thing, what will this even change??" and "this seems really small compared to what he/she is doing" those are examples of excuses of how small hard things can get pushed off and ignored. If I am not thinking of other first, then it will become easier and easier for me to be more selfish, if I am not cheerful....grumpy around the house then it will make it harder for others around me and it is easier for me to slip into a bad attitude. That's just a small example of how some small things can grow into bigger problems making them even harder to fix and keeping you from what you could be!
I encourage you to start doing small hard things, whatever they are for you (and not forget about them) I listed only a few of my small things but I can think of many more I need to work on! Because we can't just all of a sudden start doing amazing, super hard things, it takes time and effort to get to that point. So why wait until later, or give it a chance to grow into a bigger hard thing to work on???? Start now!
Next chapter.....Taking A Stand
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
video and my thoughts
I thought you might enjoy this video. My friend Nick, from youth group, wrote his testimony and presented it in spoken word. He did it this way so he could share it as "poetry" with his English class in a public school a few months ago. He presented this at the Fine Arts competition I went to and he won for our state. He is competing this weekend in nationals. He is a great example of stepping out of the worldly idea of a "teen life" and actually living out what you say you believe. Personally, Nick, along with several other Sr. high boys, have been incredible examples to me in my time at the youth group and worship team (Nick is the drummer). My church has an internship program for the high school youth, and Nick along with several others have preached, led worship, etc. The internship program is all summer and the interns are trained in all areas of ministry that they are interested in. I am considering signing up for next summers intern program, actually I am certain I want to do it. For me that will be doing something very hard, but important to grow. I think its really cool how many great opportunity's there are in this youth group and church to challenge, encourage and grow me in my walk/faith. I signed up to serve in 2 ministries besides what I do for the Youth group worship team. I am exited to start serving by greeting and ushering. Both out of my comfort zone but I am trying to break free from having a "comfort zone."
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Do Hard Things Chapter 7-
The Power of Collaboration-
In this post I am going to talk about collaboration/teamwork. It is when a group of people come together to accomplish a common goal, it can make the job/task easier, faster, and finished better, than if you were doing it alone. It has been said “A horse by itself can pull 2,500 pounds, so it would be expected that two horses could pull 5,000 pounds, but two horses together can pull over 12,000 pounds. That’s more than four times the weight that one horse alone can pull.” That’s a good example of collaboration and teamwork.
In this post I am going to talk about collaboration/teamwork. It is when a group of people come together to accomplish a common goal, it can make the job/task easier, faster, and finished better, than if you were doing it alone. It has been said “A horse by itself can pull 2,500 pounds, so it would be expected that two horses could pull 5,000 pounds, but two horses together can pull over 12,000 pounds. That’s more than four times the weight that one horse alone can pull.” That’s a good example of collaboration and teamwork.
Some simple personal examples are, doing the laundry, making dinner, yard work, cleaning up the house, collecting the garbage etc. all of these tasks get finished faster, and easier when you have a team to accomplish the goal. Those are small personal examples.
When it comes to doing real hard things, there are some questions we need to ask ourselves. Is my idea directed by God, what do my parents think about this idea, who should be leading, what can I do to advance this idea, who else can help, how much do I care about this idea, and am I going to quit. (Will I see it through?) That being said, it is important to make wise decisions in who we team up with. Proverbs 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” otherwise they could drop out and leave you with tasks you cannot do by yourself, which could ruin the hard thing you are trying to do.
Also, don’t overlook your family’s advice and assistance; don’t be afraid to use computers/technology to advance your goal. Be open to hearing what others think could benefit your idea/goal. Give credit to the people who deserve it. Be prepared for problems. (Because something will definitely go wrong at some point..be flexible) and most of all, don’t give up! Because eventually, success will happen....even if you cannot see how, or who will succeed. When it comes to doing real hard things, there are some questions we need to ask ourselves. Is my idea directed by God, what do my parents think about this idea, who should be leading, what can I do to advance this idea, who else can help, how much do I care about this idea, and am I going to quit. (Will I see it through?) That being said, it is important to make wise decisions in who we team up with. Proverbs 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” otherwise they could drop out and leave you with tasks you cannot do by yourself, which could ruin the hard thing you are trying to do.
So teaming up with others can help you accomplish things way too big to do by yourself. Once someone starts, more people might join in. Why wait to get started??
Next chapter......Small Hard Things
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Do Hard Things Chapter 6 Raising The Bar-
Well...I did my best, that's what counts right??
Doing hard things is not about doing your best but actually doing all you can do. because a lot of times "I did my best" is an excuse for keeping your expectations low when really you can do more than your "best" Like if you plan to share Christ with someone and at the last moment you back out with the excuse "well...um I did the best I could" when in that situation there is a lot more you could have done. But you have to raise the bar and have expectations of yourself and not be willing to lower them because of your feelings in a moment. Because you never know what God has planned for those moment's. You could have a great opportunity ahead of you but if you back out in the middle of it then you could miss out on a lot of great things that God could have planned for you.
Also as I found out, one small step of growth can set of a chain reaction that will lead to bigger challenges, bigger opportunity's, and to even more growth. If you never step out of your comfort zone, you will find years that have gone by that had great challenges that you could have taken. Why wait to grow and mature?? Why let a moment of feeling afraid take away what you can do with your life??
You have to be able to trust that God has a plan for your life, the good and the bad and he knows what is best for you. Even though it might be hard to see why you have to deal with some things in that time. For me, I went from being a scared, shy boy hiding behind a keyboard to playing guitar on two different worship teams, one is for a college group and I am just going into 9th grade!!! Talk about one small step setting off a chain reaction, and I have no idea how God is going to use the passion for worship music and talents He has given me yet....but I am sure excited to find out.
Doing hard things is not about doing your best but actually doing all you can do. because a lot of times "I did my best" is an excuse for keeping your expectations low when really you can do more than your "best" Like if you plan to share Christ with someone and at the last moment you back out with the excuse "well...um I did the best I could" when in that situation there is a lot more you could have done. But you have to raise the bar and have expectations of yourself and not be willing to lower them because of your feelings in a moment. Because you never know what God has planned for those moment's. You could have a great opportunity ahead of you but if you back out in the middle of it then you could miss out on a lot of great things that God could have planned for you.
Also as I found out, one small step of growth can set of a chain reaction that will lead to bigger challenges, bigger opportunity's, and to even more growth. If you never step out of your comfort zone, you will find years that have gone by that had great challenges that you could have taken. Why wait to grow and mature?? Why let a moment of feeling afraid take away what you can do with your life??
You have to be able to trust that God has a plan for your life, the good and the bad and he knows what is best for you. Even though it might be hard to see why you have to deal with some things in that time. For me, I went from being a scared, shy boy hiding behind a keyboard to playing guitar on two different worship teams, one is for a college group and I am just going into 9th grade!!! Talk about one small step setting off a chain reaction, and I have no idea how God is going to use the passion for worship music and talents He has given me yet....but I am sure excited to find out.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Do Hard Things chapter 4-
OOPS.....here it is, Chapter 4! I had read it and had the post ready, but forgot to actually post it!!
A Better Way-
Growing up is not just flipping a switch and instantly you are totally grown up, it takes work and time to become who you are called to be. The teen years are supposed to be a time in your life when you are actually pressing on to that goal......not getting away from your responsibility. Because what happens is those years will drift by and you will look back (if you do at all) and see just how much you have missed, and how much you could have done. Unfortunately, much, or all the time that was wasted away teens have used to goof around, socialize, or just go with the flow of what the world says teens are capable of...wish is not much!! There is little talk or encouragement to use those years of preparation into adulthood! Then all of a sudden the teen is thrown into college and supposed to be magically mature, which statistics show doesn't happen.
So if you wait until your 30's (Teens-Kidults) as the world extends your "break" from responsibility, you can lose fifteen years! that is a really long time. because if you think about it, you only get a few years to shape your future. The teen years, and what you choose to do with them will affect the rest of your life.....so they should be used well. The better way would be to use those years to your advantage, to use them as a starting point!!
next chapter...Chapter six Raising The Bar.
A Better Way-
Growing up is not just flipping a switch and instantly you are totally grown up, it takes work and time to become who you are called to be. The teen years are supposed to be a time in your life when you are actually pressing on to that goal......not getting away from your responsibility. Because what happens is those years will drift by and you will look back (if you do at all) and see just how much you have missed, and how much you could have done. Unfortunately, much, or all the time that was wasted away teens have used to goof around, socialize, or just go with the flow of what the world says teens are capable of...wish is not much!! There is little talk or encouragement to use those years of preparation into adulthood! Then all of a sudden the teen is thrown into college and supposed to be magically mature, which statistics show doesn't happen.
So if you wait until your 30's (Teens-Kidults) as the world extends your "break" from responsibility, you can lose fifteen years! that is a really long time. because if you think about it, you only get a few years to shape your future. The teen years, and what you choose to do with them will affect the rest of your life.....so they should be used well. The better way would be to use those years to your advantage, to use them as a starting point!!
next chapter...Chapter six Raising The Bar.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Practicing what I read-
Today I am taking a break from the Do Hard Things chapters, to share something "hard" that I have done.
I have been playing acoustic guitar for the past eight months. When we came to our new church several months ago, I thought that it would be really cool to play guitar in the youth group. So I finally decided to ask the worship leader if I could audition to play on Wednesday nights. Last Wednesday I auditioned infront of the worship dierctor, by myself, and I made the team! This is a BIG thing for me!!!! I had played keyboard on a worship team before, but I could just hide behind the music stand AND the youth group was very small.....about 20-25 people. But now I get to be lead acoustic guitar in front of a couple hundred youth, this would have been impossible for me a year ago!! AUDITIONING would have been impossible a year ago!! I am really excited for this opportunity (that I am able to do this now) and this has already helped me step out of my comfort zone even more!! I look forward to how being lead acoustic guitarist will stretch and grow me over the coming weeks and months.
Also...I missed chapter four of Do Hard Things so that's what my next post will be, thanks Grandma for reminding me!!
I have been playing acoustic guitar for the past eight months. When we came to our new church several months ago, I thought that it would be really cool to play guitar in the youth group. So I finally decided to ask the worship leader if I could audition to play on Wednesday nights. Last Wednesday I auditioned infront of the worship dierctor, by myself, and I made the team! This is a BIG thing for me!!!! I had played keyboard on a worship team before, but I could just hide behind the music stand AND the youth group was very small.....about 20-25 people. But now I get to be lead acoustic guitar in front of a couple hundred youth, this would have been impossible for me a year ago!! AUDITIONING would have been impossible a year ago!! I am really excited for this opportunity (that I am able to do this now) and this has already helped me step out of my comfort zone even more!! I look forward to how being lead acoustic guitarist will stretch and grow me over the coming weeks and months.
Also...I missed chapter four of Do Hard Things so that's what my next post will be, thanks Grandma for reminding me!!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Do hard things chapter 5 That First Scary Step-
A couple weeks ago, my youth group at the church I go to, had a practice round/rehearsal for a state-wide event called 'Fine Arts' where dozens of youth groups get together and some kids do things like short sermons, sing solos, drama, lead worship, guitar solos,drum solos, etc. which I think is a great example of stepping out of your comfort zone, sharing the talents God has given you with others. It was a great opportunity for me to see youth "doing hard things."
This chapter is about if you don’t grow up when you are supposed to, you will miss out on big opportunities in your life. The first step out of your comfort zone can often be the hardest because questions will arise like “what will others think of me", and "what is out there that I do not know about?” It’s like your first time on a roller coaster or performing in front of people. At first it can seem terrifying, but after your overcome your fears, it might not seem as hard, it might even be fun!
I am a perfect example of needing to step out of my comfort zone. I have had a lot of fear in areas that call me to step out of what I know. A couple of years ago, my parents encouraged me to join a worship team. Me plus playing the piano in front of of people (even a small group of 25ish) equals a completely terrified 12 year old boy! But I did it, and it turned out to be a great time of growth for me and I am thankful my parents encouraged me to join. Now I play guitar and am praying about joining an even larger worship team to use my talents for the Lord in front of hundreds of youth!
You have to single out your fears and learn how to overcome them, like if it’s speaking in front of a group of people (also a GIANT fear of mine and my parents have signed me up for public speaking in the fall!!!!!!) than maybe doing exactly that will help you overcome your fear. By the way, it doesn't mean that courage is not having fear in your life at all; it is just blocking it out so it does not affect your choices, so you can accomplish what you are supposed to. Fear of what others think can often times hold your back from maturing, from becoming all God wants and has planned for you to be. You have to be able to let go of your fears and trust God, the only one who holds your future.
Next chapter…..Raising the Bar
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