Out of my comfort zone!

by Debi Baker

I desperately want to be a girl who says "yes" to God.  But saying "yes" to God can get me in trouble!  How?  Because a few months ago, I was asked to do something that is so very far out of my comfort zone!  This weekend I am speaking at a conference!  It's one 1-hour class.  It shouldn't be a big deal.  The topic is right up my alley, I suppose.  See, I am a credentialed pastor in the Assemblies of God.  And, I am female.  So, I was asked to share about how I've been empowered by God and how I've managed to overcome the fears that paralyze me.

The funny thing is...I'm not sure I've overcome anything.  Sometimes I feel like I'm on auto-pilot!  Speaking in front of a group of people scares me to death.  Now, mind you, I have no problems speaking to my congregation every Sunday.  But to go outside the area of my pulpit...that's another story all together.  I've done it before...and I suppose, judging from the comments of others in the crowd, I did it well enough.  But the people who will be sitting in the room where I'll be speaking are other pastors and other people in leadership!

I'm not confident in my own  little world much less in a place where there are people who have been at this longer than I have.  But, as I pray and seek God for the correct message and the confidence to do this, He reminds me of 2 verses.

John 15:5 NKJV

"⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and 

I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

"⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 

⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

These 2 verses give me such a sense of peace.  I know that I am fully attached to the Vine.  There is no doubt that I can do this because I abide in Him.  I also know that because I lean completely on Jesus, that He will direct my way.  The problem arises when I let my head get involved!  My heart has no doubt; my head, on the other hand, is not so sure!  I guess I'll just have to shut my head down!  I will be spending the next couple of days repeating these verses multiple times each day.   

I just realized that these 2 verses are 2 of several that helped me get through those first months of my being behind the pulpit!  God is the same yesterday, today and forever!!!  What an awesome journey He has me on!

Have a blessed day.  And, if you happen to think about it, please pray for me on Saturday (February 17).  God bless!!