I remember learning to roller skate. My sister held my hands as I skated along the sidewalk. I learned how to move my feet and maintain balance that day. The next time I skated, it was a much easier process, and I didn’t need anyone to hold my hands.

Have you ever noticed that once you do something for the first time, it’s easier to do the second time?

I was terrified the first time I had a speaking part in a play. My hands and knees were shaking, my mind raced a hundred miles a minute, and my stomach was in knots. But after that first time, each subsequent time became easier. I became a little less nervous, and a little more bold.

I read a passage in Luke a couple of weeks ago, and since then, have been reminded of it several times and have come across it in other places. It’s one of those passages that I’ve read and heard many times, but felt it didn’t apply to me. I’ve never stopped to give it my full attention until a couple of weeks ago. Jesus was speaking: