Beyond the Fear of Failing
āCommit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.ā ā Psalm 37:5
One of the lessons the Lord has continually taught me over the years is the importance of stepping out in faithāand not being afraid to fail. The fear of failure can paralyze us, causing us to shrink back and play it safe. As a result, we miss out on opportunities and experiences that make life fulfilling. It also robs us of seeing God provide and show us that we are capable of so much more than we think.
This lesson has not only been important to me, but it’s also one Iāve tried to instill in my boys.
During his deployment to Germany, Trevor was asked to take on a leadership role that required extra responsibility. He was nervous, but he decided to accept. Yesterday, he called to tell me that the job heās carrying outāand the responsibility he took onāwas recognized as excellent in front of his entire battalion. Trevor is learning that with God, heās capable of more than he thinks, and that he can never succeed if heās not willing to risk failing.
Much like me, Timothy doesnāt have natural musical ability. But he decided he wanted to learn an instrument. So, on his own initiative, he bought a ukulele. Heās been watching videos and trying to teach himself to play. This morning, I was blessed to hear him strumming away in his room, learning a new instrument that stretches him beyond his natural skill and comfort level. Timothy is learning to try new things and develop new skills without being afraid to fail.
Now, in just about two weeks, it will be my turn to step out in faith as I embark on the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. Iāve chosen not to use a guide, a booking company for reservations, or a luggage service to transport my backpack. Instead, Iāve decided to carry my own weight, be my own guide, and avoid pre-booking any reservations after the first night on the trail. Iāve chosen to embrace the experience of being a pilgrimāof not knowing where Iāll stay or what Iāll eat each day. Iām going to walk by faith and trust the Lord to provide, allowing each day to be its own adventure.
Over the past couple of weeks, Iāve been reading blogs and online forums from people currently on the trail. There are stories of injuries that force people to take days offāor quit entirely. Some canāt find a bed for the night and end up sleeping outside or on the floor. Iāve read about power outages and people going nearly a full day without food because every store in their area was closed.
And yet, Iāve also read stories of miraculous provision: closed doors suddenly opening, the right person showing up at the right time, ābread from heavenā appearing out of nowhere, and the presence of God touching peopleās hearts and making them new.
But you canāt experience the fullness of those blessings if youāre not willing to step out in faith and risk failure. You have to embrace uncertainty and trust the Lord if you want to see Him act on your behalf (Psalm 37:5).
Iāve come to believe that our greatest regrets in life arenāt the mistakes weāve made or the things we tried and failed at. Rather, our biggest regrets are the chances and opportunities we were too scared to take. Faith isnāt the absence of fearāitās the willingness to act in spite of it.
So, on May 25th, I will begin my Camino. I will do so with a resolve to step out in faith and trust in God. In doing so, I hope to see God show up in both big and small ways. And I hope to inspire you in your own faith journey, in order to encourage you to step out and risk failing in whatever ways He may be whispering for you to take.
Jim, So glad you made the decision to do this! It was special for Chris and me. God really used it. I have enjoyed reading your updates. Your much more eloquent than I, but can see the impact of the time is similar. God Bless!
Happy for you, Jim. Praying for this inward journey, that you would be renewed in every way, ready for whatever God has you at Palm West. Both Larry and I find ourselves closer to God while enjoying and being amazed in nature. Even early mornings in our backyard recliners with coffee and binoculars is refreshment for our spirits.
Dear Pastor Jim,
A couple things I would like to say. First of all you will be deeply missed. Secondly, you have always been an inspiration to me and in the time I’ve known you, have led me to a more intimate relationship with our Lord. Lastly, I wanted you to know that I have been praying for you since hearing of your pilgrimage and your precious sons as well. I pray our Lord place a hedge of protection around you, walking before you, besides you and behind you. Until we meet again, ~ Hope. ~
Hi Jim, what is the name of the book/s that you are reading on your journey?
You are very inspiring in your resolve to step out in faith in front of so many unknowns and to trust God to provide. I wish you the best and know that you will encounter God in many ways and that your relationship with God will become much deeper and intimate. I look forward to following you and will keep you in my prayers.
What an exciting adventure you are about to embark on. I am sure you will encounter some challenges but remembering and trusting God should provide many memorable moments. Looking forward to following you.
Amazing. Excited to join you virtually on this journey.
Jim John and I thank God for you. Thank you for the nourishment of this message. You really blessed our souls with it. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you.
Pastor Jim..uplifting you daily as you venture with God in this opportunity to exercise your faith and your body to His leading. Excited to hear you adventures and growth. Thank you for your message from Psalm 55:22 & I Peter 5:7. Go forth and Go with God!
This is my prayer for you. Dear God, please give Pastor Jim the strength to face the day and see the many blessings it contains. God give him the courage to walk on, no matter how long the path or how many turns in the road. Guide his thougths so he will walk in love and peace and with gratitude in his heart. I hope you will feel this prayer as you walk the Camino de Santiago. Your family at PWCC loves you and will surely miss you. Blessings, Ida
So excited to follow your journey !!! We will pray daily for you.
Donita and John York
Just know that HE will never give you anything you can’t handle. HE’S always got your back. My daily prayers are with you.
So excited for you and your walk of Faith…. God Bless
Very exciting Pastor and so thrilled for you and your adventure. Will be praying for you and anxious to see your updates. I am so glad you get to have this sabbatical and have this time to grow in the Lord.
Thank you, Adele!
Congratulations to all of you for trying new things. What an inspiration! Iāll be praying for you and that God provides for you.
I love how brave you are in this endeavor Jim! Iāll be praying that God guides your every step. Iāll also be happily following along with your journal!
Amazing testament of God’s goodness in your family. Great to hear about that specifically in the lives of your sons. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase”–Martin Luther King. Knowing you, you have trained well for this and you have amazing drive. God will use this to grow you physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Blessing on this journey!
Wow, what an experience you will have that awaits you! I feel quite privileged to get to see Him in every step of your journey. May it spark the Awe and Wonder not only in you, but within all of us to embrace the fear we all face. Thank you!
” Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Jim, through many experiences (USMC, classified contracts, chaplain callouts) I have experienced what you are venturing into. He has never not been faithful to meet the situations required provision often when I did not know what to ask for. Jehovah provides.
Jim that is great insight and an encouraging word for me. Let your faith guide you and God will not only provide for you, but He will use you to do new things for the Kingdom, blessings.
Bruce
Our prayers go with you…and God goes in front of you…guiding your every step. What a blessed experience of a lifetime…Can’t wait to hear all about your journey.
I Praise God for your Transparency and the inspirational Intentionality you have shared with us regarding the “path” you have chosen for your life-changing journey as you “Walk by Faith and not by Sight!!!” We are so excited for you!
Blessings Dear Pastor Jim!!!šš¾ā¤ļø
I know the Lord will be walking with you, as He does every day. You are an inspiration to us. God bless you my friend.
You are correct in recognizing that fear is one of satanās best tools (keeping us from Godās best) and trust is one of Godās greatest gifts to us. The closer we get to achievement the more fear we experience. Satan hates our success, look how many lives your trust in Godās power to overcome will favorably impact! Success and revelations to you on your difficult journey. God will provide light and beauty on your pathš
Praise God. The Lord is with you. You’ve got this, Kelli!
I love what you shared about stepping outside our comfort zones. Wow! Thatās when miraculous provisions show up. Sleeping under the stars sounds wonderful! Keep sharing as you enjoy your sabbatical! May it be a time of Jubilee for you!
Iām so proud of you. You always do big thjngs and do them well. Iām so excited to hear about your adventures. Sending our prayers
Thank you for your “leap” of faith in this journey you are about to take. My prayers will be daily for you. You have given me calmness and peace in the journey I will take on Monday, in our recent meeting you answered my questions and reassured me that I am loved by Jesus. May your steps be sure and your pathway straight.
Shirley and I will be with you in prayer all along the trail.