In my sometimes-hectic world, it is hard to find the time to spend the day rock climbing in the Black Hills. When life gets too busy, but I really want to climb, I meet a few friends at our close by crag, Falling Rock. These amazing limestone cliffs are just ten minutes from my house. We can drop a few top ropes, repel to the base, and knock out several laps in a couple hours.
There is one route, that I have climbed dozens of times, which always gives me grief at the start. I fumble around for several minutes every time trying to figure out how to begin. It is awkward, and never seems to get any easier. Once I make the first move, I easily complete the climb. It’s just that darn start.
The beginning of a climb consistently seems to be my sticking point. That first foot placement and finding just the right handhold to move onto the rock often feels awkward and uncomfortable. I have stood at the base of countless climbs, looked up and said, “I have no idea how to start this thing.”
Normally, I fumble around aimlessly, searching for just the right sequence to start moving upward. Eventually I settle on something awkward and pray my hold selections do the trick. They normally do. Once on the rock, I seem to settle in and move upward more efficiently. Every time this happens, the awkward, uncertain feeling seems eerily familiar with other aspects of my life.
Why is it, with any new challenge, the first step is often the most difficult? Especially when I am venturing into the unknown, or face something I perceive as too big for me to conquer. Those nasty feelings of being ill equipped, inadequate, and incapable creep in and prevent me from even trying.
I cannot tell you how many hours I spent fumbling around at the base of God’s calling in my life. I see the task ahead and get overwhelmed by its enormity. I become afraid and can never find that awkward first move. Fear prevents me from succeeding before I even start.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – John 1:9
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
– 2 Timothy 1:7
Often, when God calls us to action, we are not ready. We have no idea what to do or how we are going to do it. God doesn’t expect or want us to have all the answers. If we did, our accomplishments would be about us, not about Him working through us. All He wants is us to trust in Him and take that first awkward step. When we are willing to do so, God promises that He will provide and equip us along the way.
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
When God calls, you do not have to change, get ready, or reach a certain status before you move. Let go of the excuses and feelings of inadequacy. It is when we are at our most ill equipped that God can do amazing things in us and through us. All you must do is take that first step, move forward, and trust that God will empower you.
For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14