Starting Something New? Don't Be Afraid!

“Why does starting something new feel so hard?”

Many people often ask this question. The resolve is already strong, yet in the end it still fails to happen. Whether you want to break a bad habit, try a new activity, or step out of your comfort zone, starting something new is indeed not easy.

On the other hand, we know that God often urges people to do new things. Abraham left his homeland (Genesis 12:1-2), Moses delivered the Israelites from slavery (Exodus 3:10), even Jesus, the Son of God, came down to become human (1 John 4:9). These people did things they had never done before.

Spiritually, they stepped forward in the name of faith. That is what gave them the energy, courage, and strength to move forward. But did you know that this principle is not only biblical, but also scientific?

Newton's Laws of Motion

Reluctance and the strength to try something new turn out to be closely related to the laws of nature. Specifically, they are called Newton's laws of motion. For those who studied physics in school, this term may sound familiar. For those hearing it for the first time, do not worry; the explanation is very simple.

1. Newton's First Law

An object that is initially at rest will tend to stay at rest. Likewise, an object that is already moving will tend to keep moving, unless there is an external force that changes its motion.

In other words, without an external force, an object cannot move, stop, or change direction at will. For example, if you suddenly brake the car you are driving, your body will be pushed forward. This push explains an object's tendency to keep moving once it is in motion.

My father has been swimming regularly since I was little. Every morning, he goes to the beach to swim. Even now, in his old age, he still does the same activity every day. Swimming regularly is not a hard thing for him to do because it has become part of who he is. Of course, this is not the experience of people who are just starting to swim regularly.

Just like Newton's First Law, human beings have a tendency to keep doing what has become their habit. People who are usually busy will find it hard to stop their activity. People who are used to taking it easy will find it hard to get moving.

After knowing this, how can we start something new?

2. Newton's Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

When you push a table, will it definitely move? Not necessarily. That depends on how hard you push it. If you apply a pushing force to the table, the table will give an opposing reactive force. Both you and the table produce friction. The table will move only if your pushing force is greater than that friction.

It is natural for us to face obstacles when we want to do something new. Not only from outside, but also from within ourselves. And that is the greatest obstacle.

So, how do we make a person who is “still” start to “move”?

Give yourself an external force (strength, energy, or effort) that is great enough, to push you out of your comfort zone. Keep doing it until it becomes a habit, so that you will keep “moving” on your own. Once you are used to it, doing it will feel easier. Why? Because, according to Newton's first law, an object in motion will tend to stay in motion.

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. - Albert Einstein

Moses: “Moved” by an External Force

Moses, the prophet who led the Israelites out of the land of Egypt, once went through “periods of Newton's First and Third Laws.”

When God chose him, Moses was not someone who was used to performing miracles. He was just an ordinary man who had the opportunity to receive an education in the Egyptian royal court. At the age of 40, Moses fled to Midian because he had killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, his fellow countryman. After that, he lived as an ordinary man, working as a shepherd until 40 years later.

Moses was in a “still” position when God called him. He was in his comfort zone. Perhaps Moses thought he would retire and enjoy a peaceful old age with his family in Midian. But that never happened. A “force” went to work, pushing Moses to move from his “still” phase. A call from God changed Moses' life forever.

Did Moses immediately agree to free the Israelites from Egyptian slavery? Not at all. He gave so many reasons to refuse the task. It was not that Moses could not do it, he simply did not want to.

But Moses said, "Oh, Lord, please send someone else." – Exodus 4:13

Why, in the end, was Moses willing to go when God sent him?

Because he knew who was sending him, not man, but God Himself. God's word, God's promise, and God's presence were what made Moses willing to go to Egypt. He only needed to hear, do, and obey God.

If Moses, who had been in a season of "stillness" for four decades, was able to begin a new adventure at the age of 80, why can't you? You can start something new now. It is never too late if you are willing to do it.

Find Your “External Force”

Fear, laziness, worry, insecurity, past trauma, financial limitations, or the opinions of others can become our “frictional force,” in other words, obstacles to change.

But did you know there is a very great energy within you, enabling you to do anything?

And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells in you. – Romans 8:11

You are from God, my children, and you have overcome those false prophets; because the Spirit who is in you is greater than the spirit who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4 

Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? – 1 John 5:5 

I tell you the truth: whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do, indeed, greater works than these. – John 14:12a

The Spirit of God is far greater than anything. By faith, we can do works greater than those Jesus did. This should be more than enough to make you “move” and do extraordinary new things. The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is within us. Imagine how great an impact we can make on the world! . Apply a strong external force so that you can overcome every obstacle. And God has already provided the capital for it, namely the Spirit of God Himself. It is proven, God's promise enabled Moses to step out of his fear and try new things: from public speaking, motivating others, and negotiating, to becoming a leader.

The same Spirit who accompanied Moses is also within us. With faith, perseverance, and a never-give-up attitude, we can surely change and move toward success.

So, what new thing do you want to do right now? Start learning God's Word? Have a consistent daily quiet time? Or join a community so that you can grow more spiritually? None of that is as hard as you imagine! You just need to start now! -