“Hi, my name is Mitch and I’m a movie-aholic”. “Hi Mitch!” Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but maybe not. I have been an avid movie watcher since I can remember. I can be sucked into a heart-tugging, light-hearted romantic comedy like Sleepless In Seattle, just as easily as a deeply moving, epic western like Dances With Wolves. And then turn right around and enjoy a heart-stopping, heavy-hitting action flick like Braveheart, followed by a slap-stick comedy like Nacho Libre.
I am actually a firm believer that had Jesus been alive during this time, he would have been a movie guy too. I can imagine him often quoting movies in explaining Biblical truths, referring to them, as I do, as modern-day parables. Here’s a line I believe Jesus would have loved, and repeated often: “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” ~ Benjamin Mee. The quote comes from the movie “We Bought A Zoo”, and is spoken by a dad to his son, trying to encourage him to step out and be bold with a girl he’s interested in. What a great line, right?! What a powerful and truth-filled encouragement!
Like the son, we get so worried about the potential negative outcome that we fail to even take a chance on reaching for our heart’s desire. But over and over in Scripture, in many different ways, we are encouraged to “go for it!” Joshua 1:9 says this: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God is saying “go for it!” I’ve got your back. I’ll be right there with you. Take the position. Call the girl. Start the Bible study. Take the chance. If God calls you to it, he’ll get you through it. Failure is not the enemy; not trying is.
You know what’ll happen if you don’t step out and go for it? Nothing. That’s right, the same nothing that you’re experiencing right now. The same fear. The same regret. The same thought of “I wonder if I have what it takes.” I’m sure you’ve heard this before: Faith is spelled…R.I.S.K. But “without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) When we’re in a close relationship with God, his desires become our desires, and he will bring about awesome things in our lives . . . if, we have the courage to say” YES!” to what he calls us to.
So, what is God nudging you towards that you keep side-stepping, or resisting, or ignoring? Afraid to fail? There is no such thing as failing when we’re submitted to God and stepping in the direction he is pointing us towards. Remember this: “Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
Let’s Go For It!
~ Pastor Mitch