Don't run away from what you don't yet know how to do
Whenever we are faced with an activity, a task, a project, a plan, a desire, or a challenge that seems bigger than us, we may think: “That's not for me”. Then we leave it, avoid it, steer clear of it, and sometimes we don't even analyze it.
The problem is that this behavior can gradually become a habit. And a habit of avoiding challenges can eventually become the point where we lose opportunities that God may have placed before us.
What do we normally do?
We see the size of the challenge → we feel fear → we think we can't do it → we avoid it → we lose the opportunity.
But there is another path:
We see the challenge → we analyze → we seek direction → we learn → we practice → we act → we evaluate → we grow.
A new way to face challenges
1. Analyze
What is in front of me? What resources do I have? What am I missing?
2. Verify
Seek information, advice, preparation, and direction before acting.
3. Calculate
Break the challenge into achievable steps. Don't try to solve everything at once.
4. Work with others
Seek capable people and, above all, depend on God.
5. Practice
Experience does not appear before we begin. It is built as we practice.
6. Evaluate
Learn from each result and improve the next attempt.
My example: learning to trust
At first, I also did not understand that many times it is not about saying: “I can do everything”. It is about learning to analyze, verify, calculate, and work alongside the One who can do all things.
The presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit does not eliminate the need to learn, think, and work; it helps us do so with wisdom, dependence on God, and confidence. It helps us enjoy the experience as we live it, rejoice in our journey, and when we rejoice, it makes our mission a joy, even when sadness tries to attack.
The Ten Spies: when the obstacle becomes bigger than God
The twelve spies saw the Promised Land. Ten returned focusing on the obstacles and their own inability. Joshua and Caleb, however, trusted that God could fulfill His promise.
Lesson
Moses: “Who am I?”
When God called Moses, he responded from his limitations: “Who am I to go to Pharaoh?” and later expressed other insecurities. God did not deny his weaknesses; He showed him that he would not be alone.
Moses moved from looking only at his inability to looking at God's presence and authority. Thus began a mission that humanly seemed impossible.
Gideon: hidden, but called
Gideon saw himself as small and incapable. However, God called him a “mighty warrior.” The identity God communicated to him was greater than the image Gideon had of himself.
Lesson
Thomas: when doubt needs an answer
Thomas had difficulty believing the testimony of the other disciples. Jesus did not abandon him; He came to him and allowed him to verify the reality of the resurrection.
The lesson is not to ignore our questions, but to bring them to Christ and allow the truth to transform our uncertainty into confidence.
The opportunity to practice now
Perhaps some opportunities have been left behind. We cannot physically go back to repeat them, but we can transform the experience we have gained into a tool for the next generation.
Experience that is not passed on may end with us. Experience that is taught can multiply in others.
Training: from “I can't” to “How can I?”
- Define the challenge. Write it down clearly.
- Break down the problem. Turn a mountain into small steps.
- Seek knowledge. Learn from the Bible, experienced people, and reliable sources.
- Make a first attempt. Don't expect perfection.
- Evaluate the result. Ask what worked and what needs to change.
- Practice again. Repetition turns knowledge into ability.
- Teach someone else. Experience becomes something that multiplies.
Forming leaders with a positive attitude and responsible thinking
The goal is not to create a generation that thinks it can do everything on its own. It is to form people who are able to think, ask questions, analyze, learn, work as a team, take responsibility, and depend on God.
Faith
Trust God even when the challenge is great.
Wisdom
Seek understanding before making decisions.
Discipline
Practice even when the first result is not perfect.
Service
Use what you have learned to lift others up.
If you could go back with today's experience...
Imagine that you could present a report of your journey. What opportunities did you leave behind that you would take up again today if you could return to your younger years with the experience you have now?
Write down three opportunities
1. ________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________
What did you learn from them?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Questions for the heart
Am I avoiding something because it is truly impossible?
What part can I learn?
Who can I ask for help?
What can I teach the next generation?
CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK
Choose one thing you have been avoiding and don't give up on it immediately.
Analyze → verify → calculate → seek help → practice → evaluate → try again.
Pray for guidance and take a responsible step.