Mi Pau choose the words to the chorus of a song called "What If I Stumble?" by DC Talk.
I started out by going to YouTube and listening to DC Talk sing that song. I really focused on the words. It's a beautiful song.
I realized they were touching on a subject that I struggle with too. Could it be that others share this same fear? What if I stumble? What if I fall?
It's what keeps me from doing things that are out of my comfort zone. After all, who wants to risk failing? Not me. And yet, isn't that what God is calling me and you to do? To step out of our comfort zone and ...trust Him to work in and through us?
My flesh keeps getting in the way. My spirit is willing but the flesh cries out the words to this song.
Take a look at little Karli. She's learning to walk. You expect her to stumble and fall down many times before she gets the hang of it. Eventually she is able to stand up on her two feet and walk.
But when I try something new, why is it that I ...expect perfection?
Is it because I don't want to make a fool of myself? Probably.
I'm so thankful that God is patient with me. He even gives me words of assurance in Psalm 37:23-24:
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."
Notice that it says "though he stumble". I guess the Lord knew I would stumble but ...He will uphold me with his hand.
Oh my, how cool is that?
The one, true, living God holding Debbie's hand!
Now that's amazing love.
Great post. I know I struggle with the fear of failure often...
ReplyDeleteGreat post Debbie! Thanks for participating in IOW today.
ReplyDeleteI love the image of God holding our hand through it all. That's what I call "Blessed Assurance." :)
ReplyDeletePS> Karli is adorable!
Denise Hughes
It is a wonderful feeling to know that our Lord is there for us!! If we would only have that faith continuously. We all struggle with that feeling of failure. I love your post!!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
(oh I agree - Karli is adorable!!)
I saw the lyrics and had the tune in my head. It's been a long time since I heard that one. I liked how you talked about the child learning to walk. We'd never think of a baby being a failure b/c they couldn't stand up and walk around the room the first time. But like you, when I do something new I often expect perfection. It is really crazy to have that mindset but it's easy to do!
ReplyDeleteI think one reason we expect/want perfection of ourselves is because we think we need that to have value and significance. We are not only afraid being vulnerable in front of God and others, we are afraid of being truly honest with ourselves (of course, Debbie, I don't mean you personally, but people in general). In our minds, confidence comes not from God slowly working HIS perfection in us, but in us perfecting ourselves immediately. And, when that fails, we put on false fronts, act fakey cheerful, brag about accomplishments (real or imagined) and point out other peoples' failings. All of these attempts at covering our imperfections are of course, polite ways of lying.
ReplyDeleteGood post!
So true. That baby is so cute by the way. I will choose to have God hold my hand any time (o:
ReplyDeleteAmen Debbie. I think this is an area that MOST people have struggled in and continue to do so. FEAR was a very crippling part of my life and drove many of my bad decisions for a long time UNTIL I really surrendered to the LORD and realized that He keeps my steps -- he guides me -- he is my rear guard -- he is my shield and even when I stumble He keeps me from hitting the ground! PRAISE THE LORD!
ReplyDeleteFor me it was getting that head knowledge down into my heart and when I did I approached life very differently BUT I STILL have moments where fear creeps in and it is then I remind myself that GOD HAS MY BACK!!! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!
Love you sweetie! You always have a fresh and encouraging message.
Such an awesome post my friend.
ReplyDeleteJust like we expect a little one like Karli to fall - God expects us to fall. It's inevitable because it is our nature. Once we realize this and quit judging the "fall" as "failure" the sooner we can get up and walk -- and learn and grow.
ReplyDeleteIt's laughable to think of a toddler sitting down to pout because she tripped while learning to walk. :-) She just gets up and keeps going! Why are we so hard on ourselves? And why do we even question if we're going to fall. We WILL. Period. But God is there holding our hand and that's all that should matter.
Good thoughts here. And what a sweet little girl!!!!!
~esthermay
I was late in getting mine up too! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing today . . . I struggle in this area too.
Drop me a note sometime. How are you doing? Any offers on your house yet?
Great post! I used to struggle with the fear of failure. It kept me from serving the Lord in the way He desired me to for many years. Until I realized that as long as you do your best for Him, there is no failure!
ReplyDeleteA very encouraging reminder! And a timely one. Thanks again, Debbie.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, You just keep coming up with the best stuff. I hadn't thought about my fear of failure. So often, we try only what we know we can do. Hm....now this goes along with a principle I am reviewing in Experiencing God. Do I attempt God-sized tasks, or just what I know I can do? Very timely post for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture! I have a 1-1/2 year old grandson who not too long ago went through the process of learning to walk. Yes, he stumbled and fell, and sometimes we didn't catch him in time. But we were there to comfort him.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a GREAT comfort to know that God doesn't call me to walk and then stand back shaking His head if I don't get it right the first time. Rather He is there, arms out, cheering me on, encouraging me to take one more shaky step so that I can know the joy of "walking by the Spirit." Sometimes I can almost see Him with the smile on His face that I get on mine when my grandson tries to take the next "leap of faith" to grow into a man.
Thank you for the wonderful words.
Ev
awww, that's a very cute post, Debbie:)) yeah, why don't we think like that? probably just like little Karli, we need to balance and practice it. Patience indeed is a virtue:) I think, sometimes we just don't realize that we're wasting so much time overanalyzing things and trusting in God is such a gift that needs nurture:))
ReplyDeletehave a blessed Thursday!