You Aren’t Born with it … and That’s Okay!
No one is born knowing how to study the bible and pray – we all have to learn it somehow. But we often act like there’s something wrong with us when we struggle with spiritual disciplines or things take longer than we think they should.
Let’s explore that a little more!
In the last episode I talked about 3 things you need when it comes to making progress on our goals:
- Knowledge/information
- Tools
- Support
Today I want to take a look at the first thing: knowledge.
I used to feel frustrated because I struggled so much when it came to things like bible study and prayer. I felt stupid because I believed that everyone else on the planet was doing better at those things than I was. I was so wrong!!! We all have to start somewhere – and that’s knowing nothing.
Feel better?
Let’s take a look at three lies that we often believe when it comes to spiritual disciplines:
This shouldn’t be so hard
In today’s society, we often create “hard” with work or effort. So when we say that something shouldn’t be so hard what we really mean is that it shouldn’t take as much time, work, and effort.
When you are learning something new it’s going to take time and effort. You will make progress one baby step at a time. If you constantly expect to get things right on the first try you will always be disappointed and frustrated.
There must be something wrong with me
How do you know that you are the only person on the planet that struggles? If something is difficult or takes longer than you think it should that’s not because there’s something wrong with you. It just means you’re human and you’re doing something that you haven’t mastered yet.
I just need to try harder
I doubt this! Most of us are putting forth great effort and work into our faith. And that can be a problem when we start to think that our work is what brings rewards. God doesn’t ask us to read our bible and pray so that we can get gold stars for working the hardest. He also doesn’t ask us to do something impossible.
Don’t fall into the trap of perfectionism here. Give yourself time and patience as you learn and grow. Take a break if and when you need to.
It’s okay to struggle or go slow when it comes to growing your faith. Take your time and focus on making progress.
Other Episodes Mentioned:
Episode 12: Stop trying to get it right on the first try: The importance of micro-wins to your faith journey
Resources for you:
Grace Goals: a Biblical Goal-Setting System
Stay Connected:
Follow Your Bold & Courageous Life on your favorite podcast app:
Leave a Review and Tell Me What You Think!
“I love LaToya and Your Bold & Courageous Life.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more women — just like you — to grow closer to God during the best and worst times of your life!
- Click here, to find Your Bold & Courageous Life on iTunes
- Click on “Listen on Apple Podcasts.”
- Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Just write about what you loved about this episode (or the show in general). If you can’t find the option to write a review try clicking “See All” beside “Rating and Reviews”.
Thanks!
Would you like to be featured on the show?
Ask me anything about growing your faith during hard times, overcoming negative emotions and thoughts, how to trust God, heal from past hurts, and how to look forward to life after hard times. You could even leave a note sharing how you’ve been encouraged by the podcast. I can’t wait to hear from you! (Voice messages may be included in a future podcast episode)
Think about your question and when you’re ready follow these instructions:
- Click the button that says “start recording”
- Tell me your first name and ask your question/say your comment
- You’ll have 60 seconds for your message so try and be concise (you can push the play button to hear the recording and try again if you don’t like it)
