Steve Gatena
How many times have you said, “I’m trying”?
“I’m trying to work out every day.”
“I’m trying to pray more.”
“I’m trying to spend more time with my family.”
And here’s the follow-up question: have you actually, wholeheartedly done those things?
Not as you hoped, right? And it’s not because you didn’t want to. It’s because of that one word: trying.
Let me tell you about a friend who once told me he was “trying” to get healthier.
He had bought the gym membership.
He had the new sneakers.
He even set his alarm for early mornings.
But every time I checked in, his answer was the same: “I’m trying.” And nothing really changed.
You see, “try” is a weak word. It sounds responsible, but it gives you an escape route.
“Try” says, I’m interested, but not committed. It keeps you halfway; not all in, not all out.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t quote the wise, green sage from Star Wars, Master Yoda:
“Do or do not. There is no ‘try’”
Commitment changes everything.
I’d like to lovingly challenge you to use a different phrase than “I’ll try.”
Instead, say: “I’ll commit.”
When you say it, something shifts mentally. There’s no backup plan. No excuses.
Think about it. Marriages don’t work on “I’ll try.” They thrive on “I commit.”
Faith doesn’t grow with “I’ll try to believe.” It deepens with “I will trust.”
And the same is true for “wish.”
We say, “I wish I had more time.”
“I wish I could change.”
“I wish things were different.”
But “wish” puts your future in someone else’s hands. “Will” puts it back in yours.
When you say, “I will,” you activate motion.
“I will start today.”
“I will show up.”
“I will trust God with the results.”
Jesus never told His disciples, “Try to follow me.” He said, “Follow me.”
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Faith isn’t about trying harder. It’s about committing deeper.
So today, reframe your words.
Don’t say “I’ll try.” Say “I commit.”
Don’t say “I wish.” Say “I will.”
And if you fail, that’s okay. There’s grace. But may failure never be because we didn’t wholeheartedly throw ourselves in.
