As a man was passing some elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.
He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” trainer said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”
The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.
Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
What is something that God has been pricking your heart to do for some time? Is it teaching a ladies bible study? Opening up your home to your neighbors? Step out in faith… He will be there every step of the way to give you strength to overcome your fears and insecurities! Oh, and can I whisper something in your ear? He will bless your SOCKS OFF!
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Thanks for visiting!
Lisa says
Traci, I LOVE this story! I don’t want to let past experience keep me from doing what God is calling me to do today. He loves breaks every chain.
Mb Thielke says
So profound. This totally just rocked my world. Thank you!
Mb
trooppetrie says
So very true, it reminds me of my children, teach them when they are young and they will not move from it
Annesta says
Almost a year ago I felt that He was calling me to open my home to a smal group Bible study. I obeyed and I have been so blessed. We are beginning our 5th study in September.
Great story. Great challenge!
Blessings
~a
karen says
Thank you for this story. I’ve heard it before but like most things, forgotten it. The truth of the story resonates still. How often do we tether ourselves to a conditioned way of thinking?
Jen says
Hey traci! Thanks for saying hey. I’m trying to learn how to use my camera and edit in my free time haha. Love your blog!
Jen