Sometimes I really wonder what would happen if I truly believed. Not believed in Jesus, I’m covered on that part. I mean, I wonder how I would look at life if I believed for myself nearly as big as I did for other people.
That was a bit of an awkward opening, but it is my stream of thought. So let me add a little clarity to all of this.
One of my favorite hobbies in life is to hype up my family, friends and probably unsuspecting strangers. If someone is excited about something, it’s my job to amp it up at least 76% more (that is a precise calculation). If someone is doubtful, then it is my job to point out the barely visible silver lining. If there is no silver lining, then it’s my job to find my elementary school art supplies and make one. Essentially, I want my life title to be “Fairy Hype Mother.” Yes, much like the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella. But instead of getting people ready for one night, I’m generally extra and optimistic about their entire life. As you can tell, I’ve put considerable thought into this position and I take it very seriously. *sprinkles glitter*
My self-proclaimed title may be a little farfetched, but this is my general disposition towards most people every day (I said most people because I’m optimistic, not Jesus). I honestly believe that if someone has an idea or dream, then they are more than capable of achieving it! No questions asked, if provided the right resources and support, it’s going to happen!
I believe in the dreams of others so wholeheartedly, without much detail because I know God is faithful. However, this level of enthusiasm fades a little faster when I need it. And quietly, that is something that many of us face. We are everyone else’s biggest cheerleaders, but when it comes time to support ourselves, we get almost bashful. What’s up with that?
Are we worthy of the same hype?! Is God still faithful?!
Logically, we know the answer to both questions is yes. But we’re not battling logic, we’re battling our hearts. See, our hearts hold what we believe about ourselves, not just the memories of past events. And let me tell you, sometimes our hearts have the memory of an elephant. Just never letting anything go! Even those things we don’t remember in our mind, we still feel in our hearts. Because the heart is also the storehouse of emotions and intentions. So, even when we forget what we did, or hearts remember how we felt and why. Shortly put, hearts remember the details, long after the big event has faded away.
So, why does the unlimited storage of the heart matter? Because often we want to feel excited and happy for ourselves, but sometimes those feelings are choked out by the memories housed in our hearts. As soon as we began to see a business plan come together, we’re overwhelmed by the anxiety of the last time we didn’t have the discipline to follow through. When we have a romantic relationship that seems promising, we are stifled by the nervousness from being a not-so-great partner in a previous relationship. And the list of examples could go on forever. Even though we have all grown tremendously, the fear of accidentally falling backwards keeps us from intentionally moving forward.
The fear of accidentally falling backwards keeps us from intentionally moving forward.
The only “sure” way to move ahead is to evict those old memories that have taken up residence in our hearts. We must serve an immediate notice to vacate. If not, like any worrisome tenant, those memories will continue to cause havoc while providing no benefit.
Question of the day?
What would happen if you believed?
Encouraging verses:
Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.
Philippians 3:13 GNT
But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.
James 1:6 ESV
Then Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen.
Matthew 21:12 NLT
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