We sometimes admonish others to “look before you leap” when they share with us a plan to accomplish some new task. We really mean, “think about it.” Good advice; but it can be an expression of fear as we look back on some of our own efforts that did not work out well. And the thought may be right behind that: “you better not try that again”. So we stay defeated ourselves and try to influence our friends to “be careful” as they try to pursue new and perhaps risky endeavors. We think we are being thoughtful and helpful when maybe we are sowing doubt and fear instead. It can cause us and our friends to be like that double-minded man, with one foot on the shore and the other still in the boat, fearful to plant both feet on the land and work to better our lives.
The Bible gives powerful advice to consider at this point: James 1:5-8 says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways!” And Proverbs 3:5 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
If in our hearts and minds, we are obedient to God, we can say with the Psalmist: “Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusted in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” Psalms 28:6-7
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