Have you ever stood at the top of a steep ski slope and wondered, What was I thinking? Your heart races, your palms sweat, and every part of you wants to turn around. Yet once you push off and make it safely to the bottom, you’re already thinking, I want to do that again.

That’s because not all stress is bad.

We usually think of stress as the enemy. Chronic, unmanaged stress can certainly harm us, contributing to sleep problems, weight gain, poor concentration, anxiety, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. But there is another side to stress that often gets overlooked.

Psychologists call it eustress or positive stress. It is the kind of stress that energizes rather than overwhelms. Research shows that when we view a stressful situation as a challenge instead of a threat, our bodies still release stress hormones, but those changes help sharpen attention, increase motivation, and prepare us to perform at our best.

Think about learning to ski, giving a presentation, interviewing for a new job, or taking on a difficult project. Your heart beats faster, your breathing changes, and you feel butterflies in your stomach. Those sensations aren’t necessarily signs that something is wrong. They are your body’s way of preparing you to meet the moment.

But how you interpret those physical sensations matters. Instead of thinking, I can’t do this, tell yourself, My body is getting me ready for something important. That simple shift in perspective can improve resilience and performance.

Of course, stress becomes harmful when it never lets up. God did not design us to live in a constant state of alarm. Our bodies need periods of recovery through rest, sleep, prayer, worship, healthy relationships, and regular rhythms of renewal. But short bursts of stress that accompany growth and new experiences are not something to fear.

So don’t avoid every uncomfortable situation. Growth almost always requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Give yourself permission not to perform perfectly the first time. Breathe deeply, keep moving forward, and remember that courage is not the absence of fear. It’s moving ahead despite it. Most people build confidence by facing challenges repeatedly until they discover they are capable of far more than they imagined.

The spiritual lesson is just as powerful. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls His people to face uncertainty, not because they are strong enough on their own, but because He is with them. Whether you’re standing at the top of a mountain, beginning a new career, navigating illness, or walking through an unexpected loss, your confidence rests in God’s presence rather than your own ability.

As the Lord reminded Joshua before he entered unfamiliar territory:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

The next time you face a challenge, picture yourself at the top of that steep mountain. Take a deep breath. Thank God for the strength He provides. Then push off. What feels intimidating today may become tomorrow’s testimony. With God’s help, even the mountains that seem impossible can become places where your faith and your confidence grow.