How many times have you said, “If someone would just give me a chance, I’d show them what I can do,” without ever asking if you’ve given yourself that same chance?
Most of us aren’t lacking ability. We’re just unsure. We look around for approval, or wait for someone else to notice what’s been inside us all along. We wait for something to make the next step feel less risky. And until that happens, we stay right where we are.
At some point, many of us were taught directly or indirectly… that progress only happens when someone else allows it. That growth needs to be noticed to be real. But real growth usually happens long before anyone is watching. More often than not, the person we’re waiting on to push us… is us.
When I first arrived on campus my freshman year of college, I made a choice that probably looked strange to a lot of people. I didn’t rush to show off my basketball skills. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone or prove where I ranked. While others played pickup games and hopped from dorm to dorm, I was in the gym by myself, focused on getting better.
I wasn’t just shooting around to pass the time. I practiced with intention. Every rep had a reason. Every minute on the court was about growth, not entertainment. It wasn’t about being seen, it was about improving.
I learned something early on: if I wanted to be great, I had to put in the work because no one else was going to do it for me. Talent alone wasn’t enough, and taking unnecessary breaks didn’t match my goals. This wasn’t about proving I was better than anyone else. I just needed to know, deep down, that I had given my best.
Whenever I stepped on the court, I played with confidence. Not because I thought I couldn’t be touched, but because I knew I was prepared. That preparation showed up long before the game ever started. I believed in myself because I had put in the work. And that belief didn’t just help me compete, it silenced all the doubt inside me.
That way of thinking didn’t just stay on the court. It followed me into other parts of life. Over time, I noticed how many people don’t reach their potential. You see it everywhere: in careers, in relationships, in creative work, in leadership, even in faith. They want to be chosen instead of taking responsibility for their own growth.
Here’s the honest truth: no one will push you harder than life itself.And no one will care more about your growth than you do.
The Bible says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance” (Proverbs 21:5). This isn’t just spiritual, it’s how life works. Diligence changes outcomes. Preparation opens doors. Effort builds on itself over time.
When God gives you a gift, He doesn’t do it halfway. He doesn’t put something meaningful inside you and forget about it. Scripture says, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16).Notice the wording: it doesn’t say applause makes room. Or validation. Or outside pressure. The gift makes room.
But a gift still has to be developed. You can hope someone will push you, but if you never do the work, you’ll never fully see what God placed inside you. Sometimes that work is learning on your own, or showing up for yourself when no one else notices.
That’s why this verse hits differently when you really think about it: “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people” (Colossians 3:23). What you do matters. Even when no one sees it. Especially when no one sees it.
Sometimes pushing yourself can be simple: get up earlier, do the work most people avoid. And on the days you don’t feel motivated? Get to work anyway. Those are the days that matter most.
The Bible says it well: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10). Growth rarely starts with confidence. It starts with action.
When you take responsibility for what’s been entrusted to you, something shifts. You stop asking, “Why hasn’t anyone chosen me?” and start asking, “How can I prepare better?” That change in mindset can make all the difference.
Now, here’s the beautiful part: God has already given you permission to use what He placed inside you. “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).Fear says wait. Power says move. Wisdom reminds you that growth is a process, not a performance.
If you’ve been waiting for someone to push you, maybe today is the reminder you didn’t know you needed: you can push yourself.
This week, stop waiting. Take one step in the area you’ve been waiting on, and trust God with it.
Pray with me:
Father God,
Thank You for the gifts You’ve placed inside of me. Forgive me for the times I’ve waited when You were calling me to move. Give me discipline when motivation is low, courage when fear is loud, and humility as You grow me. Help me steward what You’ve given me well for Your glory. Teach me to push myself in faith, trusting that You are with me every step of the way.
