Alongside literary giants like Shakespeare and Tolstoy are the Berenstain Bears. (Maybe that’s a stretch, but just go with me on this one.)

In one of their timeless classics we learn about The Magic Toeshoes. Basically, a young bear wants to be a ballerina. But her toes are wobbly. So an old ballet master takes pity and gives her some “Magic Toeshoes,” saying that with these shoes she’ll be steady and confident.

Convinced of their power, she tries them on and is amazed at the result. As the year goes on, and as the big recital approaches, everything is set for her performance. But then, on the night of the show, she forgets her magic toeshoes at home!

Upset and anxious, she tells the old ballet master, who then discloses that they were never magic in the first place. They were just ordinary shoes.

So out onto the stage she goes… and does an amazing job, as steady as ever!

The reason I like this story is because we are quick to doubt God’s power and presence in our lives unless he swoops to our aid in a dramatic, miraculous, over-the-top intervention. Like the Berenstain Bear ballerina, we think that if someone could only give us some kind of magical guarantee, THEN we could surely face our giants.

Well, what if I were to tell you right now that with whatever you’re facing today, the Holy Spirit is with you and within you, guiding you in God’s way and providing a strength that only he can give?

Wouldn’t that make you more confident?

Well guess what? It’s true! If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you’ve been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is with you and within you, guiding you in God’s way and providing a strength that only he can give.

As we read in 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (ESV)

So no wobbling.

Today, dance with giant, godly confidence. You are not alone.

By Matthew Ruttan

• “Up!” is published 5 days a week (Tuesday to Saturday) and returns on March 28th.