Going Beyond

At this time last year, a blank computer screen challenged my imagination. So it is with this year’s task. After each New Year’s eve, I wrestle with my complacency and ineptness and formulate an annual strategy for my personal success. I tell myself that all things – even an effective plan for the next year is attainable. With my fingers on the computer keyboard and the rythmic pounding of my headache, I imagination a year of great accomplishments. The only difficulty with this exercise is myself.

As with any successful strategy, I must comprend my inadequacies. Old habits lurk around every corner of my daily experiences. There are two destructive habits that “never say die” to any plan. However, this year those old habits must die. No excuses this time, self-destructive behavior must stop.

What are my two enemies? Often, I lack courage in the every tasks. Also, I second-guess myself about difficult decisions causing myself sleepless nights. Fussy thoughts and my lack of courage only feed my ineptness and hinder any plan. After many hours of Bible reading and prayer, I realize that - God gives courage to those who challenge themselves. Insurmountable hindrances never blocked Biblical charaters from acting on God’s challenge. Only a dare dislodges my discouragement and indecisiveness.

What is my dare? Last year, I dared to dream. I took God at His word and acted. With trembling hands and my fear of rejection, I wrote about God’s amazing plan for mankind. My everyday experiences became stepping stones for a seeking soul. Difficulties and painful moments opened doors of opportunity to share with a hurting soul that God’s comfort and power overcomes anyone’s ineptness. Many lives were touched by my dare.

What is this year’s challenge? To boldly go beyond myself and enter into territories yet to discover. Every spirit led door of opportunity; I firmly wrap my hands around the doorknob and pray for courage. With the turn of the doorknob, my discouragement evaporates. A quick push on the door and my indecisiveness fades into oblivion. Will you take this challenge with me – to boldly go where you haven’t been. Who knows, a new experience is available to all that accept God’s challenge to change and confront their inadequacies?

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