All of us from time to time have to overcome fear. For example, some people are terrified of flying in an airplane or driving on a busy interstate. Many people have a fear of speaking to a large audience. I have firsthand knowledge of this fear as I once dreaded standing before people and speaking. My voice would quiver and I’d have butterflies in my stomach when I spoke.
However, over time and steadfastness, I was able to overcome my fear of public speaking. Speaking before people is a daunting challenge but you can do it. Our fears may hold us back from trying new experiences. But don’t let fear suppress your talents and abilities or stop you from following a new path. Each of us is here for a reason and has God-given talents and abilities.
A story from the Bible says, “God expects us to make the most of what he gives. He wants us to keep our hearts aflame with new knowledge and talents to cultivate our character and personality, and broaden our experiences so we will be increasingly more effective in life.”
All of us are expected to contribute to the wellness of this world. No matter how small our contribution might be, we must keep on growing in knowledge and understanding if we are to overcome the fears that challenge us to step out on faith to make this world a better place to live.
We should always strive to use the gifts we are given. When we don’t exercise our muscles, they weaken, and when you don’t utilize the skills God gave you, the same thing happens. The Bible’s parable of the talents advises not to play it safe but rather to “put your gifts and abilities to work and they’ll become enlarged and developed through practice. “
No one reaches full development all at once. But with study, feedback and practice, you can overcome the fears holding you back to become a better contributor to the world and a great giver of yourself. And perhaps one day they will write about how you were a valued contributor to the needs of the world because you were not afraid to take chances. l leave this message with you to concentrate on doing your best for God and to take advantage of every opportunity to develop and sharpen your skills. And Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
