I think it might be fair to say that I suffer mildly from Chicken Little Syndrome. Whilst everyone was ushering in the New Year with fireworks and celebrations, there was a little part of me that had a pang of anxiety about the coming year. For those who aren’t acquainted with Chicken Little, he was a character that was always afraid that the world was going to end and that sky was going to fall, despite being reassured by his friends that this wouldn’t happen. Whilst my fear doesn’t extend to me being hit by falling clouds (because to be honest, that sounds quite fun), I realised that I was scared of the unknown. We all have good intentions and things that we want to achieve, but with every year, with numerous joys also come the times where there is pain and there are tears. So would I be strong enough to go through these things? Would I fail miserably and not achieve all that I want to?
The answer to both questions lies mostly on where my focus is. Ultimately, if I focus only on the fire and freak out about it, I might miss the fact there is a fire extinguisher right next to me and end up way crispier than I’d like. I have realised that making God—His strength, His love, His guidance—the focus is a great way to combat any fear of the unknown. He promises that even though you might go through some crazy stuff, encounter near scrapes and hair-raising situations, He will be with you and you won’t be overwhelmed by any circumstance. He also promises peace that goes beyond understanding as you not only tell Him about your worries, but also remember who He is. Do you realise that He merely spoke and made the entire galaxy? So I’m pretty sure He is up to any challenge you might face.
On the flip side, I also like to think that we should do things despite feeling daunted about what may lie ahead. This may mean taking opportunities where your comfort zone is nowhere in sight or doing something you might possibly fail at. The fear of failure is not a good enough reason to stop you from taking on any challenge. It just robs you of learning, growing and becoming better. Martin Luther King said that ‘the true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience, but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.’ If you never put yourself in positions where you are forced to grow, you may never know what you are truly capable of. Truly, ‘to be successful you must accept all challenges that come your way. You can’t just accept the ones you like’ (Mike Gafka).
If it is a God-given opportunity, God will equip you to do it, even if in your own strength and natural ability it doesn’t seem possible. His power is made perfect in your weakness. Look at David and Goliath—it’s not always going to be about what you have, but who God is.
So if there is a challenge or opportunity comes your way this year and you’re not sure how you’re going to get through—do it afraid, step out and trust the One who holds your very life in His hands.
By Kazstarlet