Be strong and courageous

“No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13)."

Today’s verse from the Bible was a great way to start my day. Just last week, delightful news came—it was an answered prayer indeed. However, along with the excitement that I felt came fears and doubts. The answered prayer entails that I need to come out of my comfort zone and experience a new environment. This is where doubt somehow sinks in. “What if I won’t live up to their standards?” “What if I fail?” “What if I won’t be able to execute their demands in the standards that they would want me to?” “What if I get hurt or misjudged?” My nerves are somehow kicking in.

There are times when I can’t help but ask God if I really have what it takes to succeed. Perhaps it’s because I’ve always wanted things to become perfect. It’s not that I want to always impress others; maybe it’s because rejection and failure are just too scary for me. I don’t want to get hurt because I don’t want to experience humiliation or failure.

However, after a series of contemplation and self-reflection, I now realize that failure and taking risks are parts of life. They are here to make us stronger and better persons. Understanding these was not that easy—it came through overcoming my anxiety attacks before. Most evidently, addressing my anxiety, worries and fears became more manageable after I got to know Christ more. Yes, I still experience fear, worries (mostly irrational ones) and anxieties; nonetheless, I know my God is bigger than any of these negative emotions. I know that allowing Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit to work within and dwell in me are the keys to having courage. It’s only through God’s grace that I can move forward and become stronger when it comes to taking risks and perhaps, accepting failures.

God’s promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a great reminder for me whenever I am experiencing anxiety or self-doubt. Truly, I know that God will not give me anything more than I can handle. I still have a lot of questions and doubts, yes. But I know that I don’t have to understand everything because my own wisdom and strength alone will not suffice. One thing is for sure though—God will be with me every step of the way and He will not fail me. I know that He will grant me the wisdom and strength to overcome the challenges which will come my way. If anything, He will be there to remind me that failures or risks are ways to make me a stronger and better person. I know that I don’t have to be afraid; I don’t have to live in fear and doubt because my God is faithful.

Lord God, as I face this new chapter in my life, please continue to always make me feel Your presence. At times like these when I’m experiencing doubt and fear, please remind me of your constant love and grace. Guide me through this new path that I will take; please shine your light in this new environment and the new people who I will work with. I entrust everything to You, my Mighty God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.