It always seems impossible until it's done

Daily Devotional Podcast. Follow along with blog post.

Have you ever had to do something that you dreaded and afterwards you thought, 'wow, that wasn't so bad?' I know I have -- many times. In fact, I tried to go around and around doing certain things, because of the discomfort and impending pain I convinced myself of, only to realize, "it always seems impossible until it's done" (Nelson Mandela).

One of those challenging times I dreaded involved a time when I was overcome by fear of getting over a wall. Yes, I was afraid of climbing over, literally, a wall -- a huge wall. Years ago when I went through Air Force basic training, there was a wall that was so intimidating that I thought, how am I going to get over that thing. I was only 21 years old and not nearly as confident as I am now, so my thinking was, 'this is utterly impossible, it's not going to happen.' I had tried countless times to get over it with a rope that hung down from the top, only to slide back down after each attempt. And time went by my fear didn't let up. As the training instructor watched me and I'm sure, was not at all surprised by what he was witnessing yet again in another young troop, he said to me, 'you can do this, I know you can.' And when he said that, something deep down in me agreed and I ran towards that wall with a determination, vigor, and strength I could muster. I grabbed that rope with more effort and strength that I knew I had and I finally got over that wall. I had surprised myself, especially after looking at it again as I was walking away. It wasn't easy, but I did it and after it was over it, I couldn't help but think of that Mandela quote, "it always seems impossible until it's done.'

What wall do you have to get over? I'm here to tell you that no matter how tall and intimidating it is, you can get over it. Yes, it may take an attitude adjustment, it may take many attempts, and digging deep, but it can be done. Do you want a change in your life? I'm here to tell you that that change can happen if you take it bit by bit. Just start where you are and don't ever lose hope that you can't come out victorious. Anything worthwhile won't come easy, but it will come. Just remember what Philippians 4:13 says and that is, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. We really can.