Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Exodus 9:16 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. (NIV)
You have a purpose! Do you know what God is currently calling you to do? He could be calling you to step out of your comfort zone.
For a few years, God has gently been nudging me to step out of my comfort zone. I just didn’t know how He was going to use me. A few months ago, He clearly laid out a plan for me to step out and use writing as a ministry and do public speaking too.
Talk about out of my comfort zone! In prayer, I often asked God if He knew what He was doing. Of course, I know that He ALWAYS knows what He is doing. But how often do we question Him anyway? I know I’m not alone!
I’ve done public speaking before, I just don’t make a habit of it. If you know me, you know that I tend to keep myself in a box. I have boundaries that I won’t let people cross. I keep to myself, don’t draw any attention to myself, and keep quiet.
I questioned God because speaking and blogging (for possibly the whole world to see) just isn’t me. Talk about not drawing attention to myself... But when I was in that broken place a few years ago, God began piecing me back together and preparing me for this new season of my life. As I look back, I can see the changes that led me here.
Is it possible that God is preparing you for something? When God places a call on your life, He will equip you. How do you know it’s a calling from God? I truly believe a calling is something you know you could not do without God. It’s also something that continues to stir in your heart even if you try to ignore it.
I tried to ignore God’s call to step out. But no matter how hard I tried, God kept revealing to me more of what He was calling me to do.
Stepping out is scary! Questions of doubt are constantly on my mind. But because I believe fully in my heart that this is something God has called me to do, I also have His peace. If I’m honest, I’m also really excited to see what He has planned.
If I follow His lead, I know He will direct my steps. He is stretching me through this process, but I believe He intends for us to continue growing in our walk with Him; no matter how long we’ve been walking.
Allow God to speak to you. Spend time with Him and really listen. When He decides to show you how He wants you to step out, He will reveal it to you in such a way that you can be sure it is from Him.
He will continue to knock on your heart. You can be sure that if it is from Him if His glory will shine. And through all the questions of doubt, you will sense His peace.
When I told a friend that I was stepping out on this new adventure, she said, “I could not be more proud of you for getting out of the boat and trusting God!!! I know this has been on your heart for a very long time. You trusted God’s timing and not your own.” Those words were words of wisdom and gave me the confirmation that I needed to fully trust what God was doing.
When you hear God speaking to your heart, obey and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Cling to the wisdom He will give you as He directs your steps. Just do what He asks and then leave it in His hands. Listen to His voice, and walk in His timing.
I cannot encourage you enough to allow God to stretch you this year. Stretching isn’t easy, sometimes it hurts, but the result will be so worth it!
Lord, thank you for speaking in our lives. Thank you for calling us to a higher purpose. I pray that you reveal the plans you have for us. I pray that as you reveal those plans, we stay focused on you and come to you with our doubts and fears. Give us your assurance and peace. Help us hear your voice, and stay in step with you. Amen
This week’s journal prompt:
What is God speaking to me? What are my fears as I step out in faith?
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