I believe we each hold some different things inside. For instance, because I know at least a portion of my calling, now I know why I’ve been naturally (or supernaturally drawn) to step out in certain ways. The funny thing is, these certain ways were terrifying for me and seemed to be against my very make-up as a person. Like public speaking.
When I was younger, I was not at all an out spoken person. On the contrary, I was a peace keeper who didn’t say much. As I have grown up though, I seem to be driven by something deep down inside and it pushes me toward speaking out, like in this devotional. My mom has often expressed her shock that I am the one doing this, and not another one of her children.
The same goes with singing. I have always loved to sing but was shy most of my life. I do however have several hallmark moments that sprinkle my adolescent and young adult years and they represented who I was to become. When I started college and chose to be a Vocal Performance Music Major, it was kind of out of left field. I had never had any voice lessons and had only been in choir 2 times in my school years. In what I now attribute to a Sovereign moment, I signed up for that major without even speaking to anyone in the department. I had no idea how unusual this was, but the person in the admissions office just let me. When I started, I remember them being curious who I was. I also remember when they told me I might need to consider another major because I didn’t have what it takes. Then a truly pivotal, life changing moment occurred. For the first time in my life, I decided to stick something out despite opposition. I said, “No, I’m going to do this.” And I did. Through countless hours spent alone in a practice room and being very serious during voice lessons, my voice was discovered. He knew it was there all along, but my shyness wasn’t allowing it to come out in public. But then one day our choir director held auditions for a solo part and I was compelled to try out. Something deep inside me said, “Yes, I am doing this!” I am not a competitive person, so I can only surmise that God was nudging me. The day of auditions came, and it was my turn, I could tell the director didn’t expect much from me, and then I opened my voice and there it was! I will never in my life, forget watching him whip his head around in shock. I got the part. It was a moment that created a momentum that began to transform my life.
Now that I walk with Jesus unapologetically, I am familiar with the nudges of the Father. I know the familiar prompting. So, it was no surprise to me when recently He told me I was to begin not only leading worship, but public speaking (or preaching). This is not my favorite thing, as I am a one-on-one type personality. I love the interaction of eye contact and shared conversation. But I love the Father more. So, I am striking out and when opportunities have come for me to speak, I take them. It’s all about a closer walk with Him.
I guess you may be wondering what this has to do with you.
My question to you is, “Where is He calling you out?” Has He been prompting you, ever so gently, to try something new? Are you saying, “Yes”? I sure do hope you are. The adventure has only begun, my friend.
Being confident of this, that He Who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
365 Days in the Presence 