Sometimes the clearest calling doesn’t feel exciting — it feels terrifying, because deep down, you know it’s going to change everything.

I know you see the calling, the dream, the possibility of who you could become. And it terrifies you. You’re afraid that if you step into it, you’ll fail. That you’ll disappoint people. That you’re not actually capable of what you think I’m asking you to do.

But you’re ready. You’ve been ready. You’re just too afraid to believe it.

– Jacqueline Whitney

But here’s what you’re missing: I wouldn’t have given you the vision if I wasn’t going to give you the ability to walk it out.

You’re not afraid of failing. You’re afraid of succeeding. You’re afraid of what it will cost you — the comfort you’ll have to leave, the people you’ll outgrow, the version of yourself you’ll have to let go of. You’re afraid that if you become who I’m calling you to be, you won’t recognize yourself anymore. And you’re right. You won’t. Because the version of you that’s playing small can’t carry what I’m bringing.

But that’s the point. I’m not asking you to stay who you are. I’m asking you to become who you’re meant to be. And it’s going to be uncomfortable. You’re going to lose some people. You’re going to have to trust me in ways that feel impossible.

But you’re ready. You’ve been ready. You’re just too afraid to believe it.

So stop hiding from your potential. Stop playing it safe when I’m calling you higher. Step into it. The world needs who you’re becoming.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.