3 Reasons to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Serve the Lord
It’s not too often in my life where I like to step out of my comfort zone and feel insecure and weak, not to mention the fact that I know I’ll be mocked and ridiculed for the things I say and write. Nope, 9 times out of 10 the flesh in this gal would rather stay in the comforts of my own shell where I’m protected and safe.
But God…
Well, He beckons me to get out the boat and walk on water to Him like He beckoned Peter. 🙂 I’m now coming to the conclusion that my Lord would always want me to choose the water over the boat. And the reason why….because Jesus is on the water and I just happen to want to be where Jesus is. But from time to time my insecurities can’t help but wrestle with Him in where He sends me. Maybe I’m not alone in this? Maybe you’ve been there too?
A few weeks back I was contacted by Sunu Philip from Clothed in Scarlet and she asked if she could interview me about my latest book, Wives of the Bible. I ‘met’ Sunu on-line a couple of years ago through the ministry here and ever since then we’ve stayed in contact with each other even though I’m in Southern California and she’s in India! Gotta love technology! 🙂
Anyways, when she asked if she could interview me about my book I just kinda chuckled to myself and said, “Sure”. But deep down inside that was a nervous laugh because what I was really saying was, “Yikes, I’ve got to go on camera!”
During the interview Sunu asked me about the ministry here and how it got started and she also wanted to know how I came about in writing my book. The short answer: God. In the video I share my journey, my fears, my experience and God’s leading. I’m sure what I have gone through will bring you comfort and strength if God is beckoning you to the water!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63OCmsz2sBA
If you can’t see the video, click this link.
3 Reasons to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Serve the Lord
1. You experience such deep joy.
Not much here on earth can compare to how the Spirit of God manifests through you when you’re serving Him with your spiritual gifts. In fact, I am convinced that many Believers are missing out in life when they allow their insecurities to prevent them from using the precious gifts that the Lord has given them. There is such an indescribable joy that we experience when we do what God has designed us to do.
In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
2. You have a God-ordained purpose in this life.
God’s given each Believer a gift that can only come from Him. No one else can give you this gift and you can’t buy it on sale at Target, either! On top of having this gift coming straight from the Creator of the Universe, the entire Body of Christ profits when you use your spiritual gifts to bring glory to the Lord. So, don’t shy away from using your gift because it’s needed.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. 1 Cor. 12:4-7
3. You’ll see God do miracles.
Time and time again when I’m serving Him by ministering to others, I see God show up and do miracles. I’m not sure how He does it but I know He does. I’m always blown away when this happens because what I’m witnessing is an actual miracle right before my eyes. The by-product of this is an increase in my faith. I personally think every Christ follower could use a little more faith. Right?
I think the above 3 reasons are some pretty fabulous reasons to serve the Lord, dontcha think?
Oh and that fear thing that we wrestle with….that ain’t from God, it’s straight from the pit of hell. Satan would love for you to stand on the sidelines of your life shakin’ in your boots rather than serve the Lord. Don’t let him win this battle.
Perhaps God is calling you to serve somewhere? Maybe you feel a little uneasy about what He’s asking you to do for Him? My encouragement for you dear friend is to step out in faith and watch what He does through you because it’s awesome!
So what are you going to choose? The water or the boat? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
If you want to know about using your spiritual gifts then read this post. And stay tuned, next week I’m sharing my podcast on: “How do you know where God wants you to serve?” A reader wrote in asking this question and I believe it will minister to you as well.
Live a poured out life for Christ,
Need some encouragement and guidance in your marriage? Grab my latest book, Wives of the Bible: 25 Easy Lessons You Can Learn from these Imperfect Women that Will Radically Transform Your Marriage.
Thank you for this. You ministered and encouraged me today, my friend! I was asked to speak at a women’s conference in front of about 75 women in a few months. I don’t mind speaking in front of children, and I don’t mind teaching my women’s class at church, but I don’t like speaking in front of people. Especially THAT many people.
Plus, I’ve never really given a speech before and so now I have to write the thing, lol! But I have been trusting God’s faithfulness and yet at the same time, wishing that I could cancel. Thanks for reminding me I need to get out of the boat and get out of my comfort zone.
So glad to hear you’re getting out of the boat! The Lord will be faithful to strengthen you and give you the words to say.
Oh Jolene, I just love you, girl! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your interview and I’m telling you, we are so much alike in so many ways. I love what you said about not putting others on the pedestal, that spot is reserved for Jesus. Those words are so powerful to me because my greatest struggle in writing and ministry is feeling like I’m not as good as the Christian women around me. I’m not smart enough. I’m not a good enough writer or speaker. I’m not educated enough. I’m not fill-in-the-blank. So when I think that way, I’m essentially putting others around me up on that pedestal. Why is it so hard to accept that we were made by the hand of God and He doesn’t make mistakes? Why is it so hard to put a wall up and NOT listen to the lies the enemy places in our head? Whew…this journey of writing has blown me away (I started around the same time you did). I sit in awe of how God has moved and grown me and pushed me out of my comfort zone time and time again. I can so relate with what you talked about in the video. Thank you for your constant transparency, friend. 🙂
Rosann, you are God’s masterpiece and don’t let the enemy tell you otherwise! You have a purpose that consists of your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Every facet of who we are is to bring Him glory and praise. Press on dear friend!