Lyn Smith

Me? Nervous??

I’m preparing for something next Friday that is way out of my comfort zone. I mean waaaay out of my comfort zone! 

I’ve been a performer and/or public speaker for most of my life. Stages and audiences don’t scare me. Being asked to speak at the last minute, with no preparation, doesn’t bother me. I’m a natural risk taker, so heights and fast things are no big deal. I’m not prone to fear or worry.

But this … this new thing. Yipes! I’m nervous - a rare and unpleasant feeling for me. I’ve thought about backing out, but I believe this is something God wants me to do. In which case, I’ll either succeed surprisingly, or fail and learn a valuable lesson. It is true that God equips the called, but that doesn’t mean we won’t fail. Failure is one of God’s best teaching tools. If I fail at this, it means He’s showing me something I need to know for my next decision. If I succeed, I move forward in that direction.

It’s really a win/win situation. Everything is with God. If we are in the center of His will, seeking Him, loving Him, and obeying Him, He works it all out for our good.

That gives me peace. He also reminded me this week, that He’s the brains behind my willingness. He doesn’t ask me to be smart but to be available. He can tell me everything I need to know. He can guide my mind, my words, my hands and my feet. I just have to make them His.

So … taking a deep breath, I relax into Him and the anxiety goes away. For now. I have a feeling I’ll be going through this thought process many times in the next week. But that’s how we grow, by stretching our spiritual muscles, over and over again.

After next Friday, I’ll be spiritually buff. 

What makes you nervous and how has God helped you? 

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