What was I made for?

Perhaps you were made for such a time as this.

Esther 4:14

I believe that fear plays a huge part in why people don’t succeed, or even try at all. Failure is one of the biggest fears for most of us. I remember when I first thought of creating the What Lies Within blog, I was afraid of failure. I was afraid of putting my heart and Jesus’ Word out there and not succeeding. It wasn’t until I realized that I wasn’t embracing the gifts that God gave me for His glory, instead I was letting the fear of failure win.

Did ya'll know that Thomas Edison was told by his teachers that he was too stupid to learn anything? Crazy right! He is now known as one of the greatest inventors. His creations and inventions have changed the lives of billions of people to this day. If he would’ve listened to his teachers and let his fear of failure win, then we more than likely wouldn’t even know his name today. Thomas Edison was born with a gift, and he didn’t bury his gift just because of what his teachers had told him. He didn’t let the fear of failure deter him from embracing what he was made for.

God has blessed each of us with a gift that is to be used for His glory. Whether that is speaking, writing, singing, etc. We use those God-given talents to share God’s Word and His blessings. However, if we let the fear of failure stop us, then we won’t be able to embrace what we have been made for.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid; but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

God has given us the tools (power, love and self-discipline) to keep pushing forward and not be struck by fear of failure. I understand that at times things can be scary and it’s okay to feel afraid, but don’t let that be the end of your story. God created us all with unique gifts and talents and ignited the passions that He put in your heart for a reason. Don’t let fear keep you sidelined wishing that you had tried. We can’t win the game from the bleachers. We won’t succeed unless we get on the field and go for it! Embrace what you have been made for and don’t let fear stop you from it!

And if all else fails… (haha literally)

I would rather fail trying, then fail watching.