Ask yourself, “What would I attempt, if I weren’t afraid of failing?” Jesus told of a man who entrusted his business to three key workers. He gave the first worker five talents, the second two, and the third one. In Bible times one talent was about fifteen years’ salary, so you begin to grasp what an opportunity this was. It was a defining moment which gave each of them the chance to test their skills, develop initiative, practice good judgment, and profit from their investment. The first two men did exactly that, doubling theirs. But the third was afraid of failing, so he buried his talent. Jesus described this man as “wicked” and said his talents would be taken from him and given to the man who used his profitably. He wasn’t judged for what he did, he was judged for doing nothing.

�Fear of people, fear of failure, and fear of rejection can tempt you to bury your gift. Don’t do it! Unless you’ve the courage to start—you’re already finished. When God called people like Moses, Gideon, Deborah and Esther they all had to overcome their natural fears; so will you. When they were in the wilderness, fear of lack made the Israelites want to go back to Egyptian slavery. Fear of persecution caused the disciples to forsake Jesus in His darkest hour, and caused Peter to deny Him—three times. Refuse to let fear stop you! How you use your talents is a matter of the utmost importance. The truth is, it’s the basis upon which God will finally judge and reward you

Today we’re conditioned to think in terms of instant gratification. We’re the generation of lunch-time face lifts and text messaging; we hate to wait for anything. Think about the last time you had to wait for something to arrive by “snail mail,” or stand in line at the checkout counter. Now, here’s where we get it wrong: we expect whatever God initiates through us to be completed—while we are still around to see the end result. We don’t like it when He decides to continue the work through another person—or worse—another generation! But that’s how God works. When God reveals something to you it’s usually within the framework of what’s already taken place before you came on the scene. He told Moses, “I am the God of your father…of Abraham…Isaac, and…Jacob.” God had made certain promises to Moses’ forefathers hundreds of years earlier, and now it was Moses’ time to take his place in the plan of God. Accepting that you’re a small link in a big chain can be humbling, but once Moses understood it he was able to connect with and focus on something bigger than himself. “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work” (1Co 3:7–8 NLT). It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you’re not concerned about who carries the torch over the finish line.

The Bible says parents are like archers and children are like arrows. Parent, as an archer it’s your job to: (1) Protect them in the quiver (home). After the assassination of her husband, Jacqueline Kennedy was asked if she planned to run for political office. “No,” she replied, “my major effort must be devoted to my children. If they turn out badly, nothing I could do in the public eye would have any meaning.” Our children are growing up in a generation where they can get drugs, buy weapons, meet a predator, engage in virtual sex, and do it all under your own roof via computer. That should alarm you! You say, “I figured it out; they will too.” No, “A child left to himself brings shame to his [parents]…Correct your son, and…he will give delight to your soul” (Pr 29:15–17 NKJV). But be careful. If your children view you as judgmental and joyless they’ll avoid you, then later explode like a time bomb. Build a home in which they can ask questions openly, get answers and form lifelong values. The word “warrior” means you must fight for them! (2) Aim them in the right direction. “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Pr 22:6). Don’t overprotect them or you’ll choke their creativity, don’t sacrifice them for material things, and don’t impose your unfulfilled dreams on them. Help them to discover their talents and discern God’s plan for their life; then become their biggest cheerleader. (3) Release them. It can be difficult letting go. But it’s easier when you know you’ve taught them the truth, they’re covered by prayer, and under God’s protection.

The story of Rebekah teaches us a very important truth about life: When opportunity knocks, make sure you’re ready to answer the door. Rebekah didn’t think about the extra effort required to water ten thirsty camels. She didn’t say, “I don’t do that kind of work; it’s not in my job description.” She lived by the principle: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecc 9:10 NKJV). She didn’t suddenly develop a work ethic when Eliezer showed up, she practiced one every day. And it paid off. Faithfulness always brings rewards. God is watching your attitude and actions in small things. Big moments don’t come to people who wait for them; they come from faithfulness in small moments, in daily routine and non-glamorous service. Rebekah didn’t quote the Torah or ask Eliezer what his denomination was. Instead of trying to be super spiritual, she decided to be nice. As a result she got his attention, earned his respect, and ended up in the family of Abraham. It doesn’t get any better! And notice one more thing: when Rebekah took Eliezer home to meet her family they wanted her to wait for ten days before leaving to go meet Isaac. That was customary. But Rebekah said, “I will go” (Ge 24:58 NKJV). When God opens the door don’t delay. Don’t say, “Others are more qualified than I am.” If God has called you, you’re the right person. So step over your fears and move in the direction He is leading you.

One day Abraham sent his servant Eliezer out to find a wife for his son Isaac. Standing by a small town well, Eliezer prayed, “Let the woman who offers to water my camels be the one you have chosen.” Suddenly Rebekah shows up and says, “I will draw water for you and your camels” (See Ge 24:13–14 NKJV). Rebekah had no idea that Eliezer had the ability to change her life. She didn’t know her act of kindness would open a door to great blessing. In Old Testament times it was customary to offer water to a stranger; it was known as the law of hospitality. The Jews believed the words: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Heb 13:2 NKJV). But who on earth offers to water ten thirsty camels? One camel can drink forty gallons of water. That’s a half-day project! Rebekah was generous to a total stranger, seeking nothing but the joy of serving. What she didn’t know was that these camels would transport her back to Isaac, make her his bride, shower her with great wealth and put her in the family of Christ. So if you want to get ahead in life, show up early, stay late, work hard, be honest, and be a problem solver. Live by Christ’s teaching, “Go the extra mile” (See Mt 5:41 NKJV). The key to success is in doing not merely what is expected, but a little more. Yes, camels are ugly, but out of that ugly situation came the most beautiful thing that ever happened to Rebekah.