10-29-17
Welcome back for the last post in this series! We’ve talked about how not having a clear goal, fearing what people will say, and fearing failure can keep us from getting where we want to go. But what about being afraid to succeed?
Both outcomes of chasing a dream are scary. Failure, of course, is embarrassing and discouraging. But success can be a challenge, too. All of a sudden, life changes. There are new expectations. And you have to decide where to go from there.
So how are we going to deal with this? First, let’s think about one of God’s promises.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
God wants good for us. That doesn’t mean we’re going to win at everything we do. But when we do, let’s find a way to use it for good.
Success is a chance to grow as a person. It brings new opportunities and makes us adapt as we go. It may take us places we didn’t plan for. Wherever we find ourselves, God is there.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
As long as we keep our priorities right, we can handle the consequences of success. Sometimes it brings money or fame. More often these won’t be the biggest results. But it can nearly always bring pride and even power. If we focus on them, we can start to crave them. None of them are inherently bad, but making idols of them is.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
Life gives us lots of chances to decide who we are and where we want to go. Let’s pick which ones we want to go after and get rid of whatever is holding us back from being the complete people God made us to be.
I gave up on being an Olympic figure skater long ago. The days of the little girl spinning on the toes of one foot were fun, but they weren’t taking me where I wanted to go. Now I’ve got dreams that are difficult, and I may never reach them, but I’m sure going to try.
What about you? What dreams do you have, and how can you keep fears from holding you back?
May the Lord bless and keep you,
Heather
Heather Tabata 