Have you ever had the opportunity do something big, something special you always dreamed about? The moment arrives and you freeze up. Your heart races, your breath quickens and you limbs feel weak. What you were once excited about becomes dread and you ask yourself why you thought you could do it in the first place.

When our daughter, Anastasia, was four-years-old, she begged to take a dance class. She had been dancing around our house since the time she could walk. She had spent numerous hours watching big bro in all of his activities and it was “her time” to enter the ring.

The day of her first class, she put on her leotard four hours early and had me fix her hair in two little buns. She danced around the house proclaiming, “I just can’t wait!”

Later, when we pulled up into the parking lot of the studio and her excitement began to dwindle.

Nervously, she played with her fingers. The thrill that was once in her voice turned into shy whispers.

We waited in the hallway for the teacher and she clung to my leg. Finally the door opened and out popped a perky college student. She invited the little girls into the classroom. Immediately Anastasia turned to me and wrapped her arms tightly around my neck, “I’m scared. I can’t go mommy!”

I understood her fear. The unknown hiding behind the big door was intimidating. Her dreams of being a ballerina were now overshadowed by doubt and fear. But…it was her time, she was ready for – she just didn’t know it.

I pulled her little face up to see mine, “I know you can do this sweetie. You’re strong and brave. This is your chance to try a real dance class.”

To my amazement it worked! She smiled, turned around and walked bravely into the class. All she needed was affirmation on her ability.

God knows we’re scared when He calls us out of our comfort zone and offers us encouragement to take that step.

After Moses died, God commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Repeatedly He told him to be “strong and courageous”, not to be terrified or discouraged. By stepping out and overcoming these valid emotions, Joshua had the honor of seeing God work through him.

Fear can paralyze us but genuine praise enables us.

So the next time you find yourself nervously waiting in the hallway for your turn, pray like crazy and listen for the affirming words of God and others.

And never be stingy with genuine affirming words. It’s amazing the power they deliver.