Out of My Comfort Zone

I’ll be living out of my comfort zone in just a few days and I don’t know if I’m just nervous about that or still numb with surprise that I agreed to this.

I am not an overly educated person and I have had limited experience talking in front of a crowd of people. The fact that I am speaking at a retreat, for not only one but four sessions (eke!), suddenly feels even more disconcerting as the days loom closer and closer.

Do you ever feel as if you’re less than adequate at something?

That would be a resounding “YES” for me, many many times over.

For example: I’ve been asked to help people write various kinds of papers and booklets, but a woman I didn’t know once asked me to help her write her life’s story. When we first “met” via phone call, she told me about the numerous University degrees she’d obtained and the long list of initials behind her name. After the pause, when she undoubtedly expected me to share my own list of educational accomplishments, she was probably surprised when I squeaked out, “I passed Grade 12 English.”

The fact that I’m able to write at all is credit to the grace of God and one amazing high school English teacher but I still doubt my abilities very often.

Nonetheless, I’ve committed and I will speak this next weekend, hoping and praying that God will use my meagre words for His purposes. I cannot really doubt Him, since He gave me the opportunity and I did spit out “yes”.

My husband thought it funny when, in a moment of panic, I recently asked, “What will I possibly say?”

Being the encourager he is, his instant reply was, “Well, you’ve never had trouble talking. I’m sure you’ll manage.”

Yes, I married him because of his quick wit and, admittedly, he’s rarely wrong. The only “credential” I can think of owning is that I do have the ability to … talk.

All of this prepping and praying has me thinking about my mission in life. That, by the way, is some of what I’m going to talk about this weekend—because we all have a mission, or many, don’t we? And they often change and grow in surprising ways.

I heard someone say “If God ordains it, He sustains it.” That’s the kind of encouragement we all need! However, if I’m honest, this meme suites me better: “When God put a calling on your life He already factored in your stupidity.” Seriously — that’s the most comforting thing I’ve ever heard.

So, like Moses who told God he was not an eloquent speaker, but God had a plan for him to speak anyway, here I go.

I enjoy praying for all those who have subscribed to this blog, and for everyone who reads anything on this website. I pray often for you, even if I don’t know you personally, but today, from the depths of my heart, I’m asking you to pray for me too. (Especially from June 2 - 4, when I’d rather not sound like a blithering idiot.)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6-7 (NIV)

I will keep you posted when I blog again on June 15th. Thank you and may God bless you greatly!

NOTE: It is my honour to announce the WINNER of the FREE BOOK this month — Rhea D from Yorkton!! Congratulations!!