Frazzled Until the End

What happens inside of you when you walk into a job interview? What about when you step on stage to display your talents? People react in different ways. Sometimes people flip out. Everything they have worked at and rehearsed flushes down the drain because of extreme nervousness. Occasionally, they may be flustered but won’t let the nervousness affect his or her performance. However, on occasions, the person performs better because of the anxiety. But what makes the difference between the frazzled interviewee and the person who has everything under control?

Experience plays a key role in how a person deals with nerves. Let’s say that I have never applied for a job, and I decide to inquire about a position with a pizza parlor. When I walk into that office for my first interview, I do not know what to expect. Will the employer be nice? Mean? Harsh? On top of my worries about the employer, I may not be able to anticipate the questions that the boss will ask me. I could simply let the worry from all of these “unknowns” cause me to mess up.

However, if I have already worked three jobs, I have a better idea of what will happen in my interview. I may not know exactly what to expect, but I know that I can handle the situation.

Similarly, when your science teacher mentions faith, how do you feel? Do you feel awkward or like you cannot handle the situation? When someone confronts you about your beliefs, do you answer them, or does your anxiety get in the way? God gave us an amazing gift. If you read the Bible or any Christian magazine, you are bound to hear about it. He sent his only Son — the only one He ever had — just to die for the countless sins that we commit every single day. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. I know you’ve heard it a million times, but think about it.

This incredible gift needs to be shared with those around us. You may get nervous at times. So do I. But we can't let it stop us from sharing the love of Christ. They need to hear what you know— and after a few times, I promise you, it will get easier.

“Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us … let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:18-20,22-24, NKJV)

The next time you get an opportunity to share what Jesus has done in your life, push the anxiety to the side. Just remember that the Holy Spirit will guide you and your words and you'll find yourself growing more and more as you get out there.