Try Something New - Part 1

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
 
Moses died. All eyes turned to Joshua. It was time for Joshua to step up and to try something new, namely, to lead the people of God into the promised land. All the years of watching Moses perform now had to translate into practical action – Joshua had to “grab the bat” and “step up to the plate”. Do you think Joshua was nervous?
 
Chris had watched baseball all his life, mostly with his dad each evening after dinner. He understood the game, and enjoyed learning about the strategy involved. Now Chris stood at the plate with the bat in his hands, facing a bigger kid from down the street on the mound. He’d seen batters do this a million times on TV. It was his turn to take a swing. Do you think Chris was nervous? 
 
We all gravitate toward activities that we do well. We prefer to be competent and successful. Likewise, we avoid things that could cause embarrassment or provoke feelings of failure. We live in a culture that celebrates victory and looks down on those who lose. Every kid finds it challenging to try something new. So do most adults. 
 
The solution can be found in the age-old story of Joshua. 
 
1.      Do not be discouraged. Competency in any area of life takes time and practice. It is true in school, sports, and relationships. Anticipate the learning curve with messages like, “This is going to take you awhile to get down. It will feel awkward at first, and you won’t succeed at the beginning. But keep trying!”
2.      Be strong and courageous. It takes courage to “grab the bat” and try something new. Strength comes from seeing progress toward a goal. Point out the early successes, and allow that flicker of a smile to grow into a shout of triumph.
3.      Speak approval. The Lord promised to be with Joshua. This promise was not contingent upon Joshua’s success. What gives a child the courage to try? Simply knowing that Mom and Dad’s love is not in jeopardy. Approval has been attained before the attempt was made. “I am proud of you for trying” is a message that inspires the courage to try, and try again.