Wait! God, I'm Not Sure About This?

Did you know that God often calls you to travel down a road that is unknown to you?

This happened to me this past week as I launched a weekly radio show on Nashville Catholic Radio. I never imagined being a radio host. As I was preparing for the first show, I was excited and nervous all at once. I was excited to have the opportunity to talk about my faith and to share catholic life coaching with more people. At the same time I had millions of doubts running through my mind. I worried that people wouldn’t listen. I doubted that I was actually “radio” worthy. I doubted that this was where God was calling me to serve. All the doubts came flooding in as I prepared to step out of my comfort zone. 

I reminded myself that, “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” When the doubts and fears began to sneak in, I had to intentionally redirect my thoughts on how God could use this show to impact the lives of many women. 

I often think about the disciples and how they created a new identity as they left everything behind to follow Christ. Those brave men left behind their comfort zones to embark on a journey filled with uncertainties and hardships, but on that journey they also discovered more joy and peace than they could ever imagine. 

Are you being called out of your comfort zone? Is God calling you to serve in a way that is out of the ordinary? Do you doubt your ability to actually step out and try something new?

Here are 3 steps to help you embrace where God is calling.

• Pray about the decision. Spend time in the quiet and allow God to speak to your heart. It is easy to overthink the situation and try to figure it all out on your own. Be sure to give God equal “air time” so that he can guide your steps.

• Imagine what is possible. Be open to an opportunity that you’ve never considered before. God works in mysterious ways and calls you to serve in ways that you never imagined possible. When God calls you, he will open doors and equip you with what you need. When you trust in Him you will be amazed at what is possible for your life.
• Take the first step with courage. It is normal to lack confidence as you embark on a new journey. Courage allows you to take action. The definition of courage is “to take action even when you feel afraid or uncertain.” Courage moves you to take the first step, even if it is a baby step. 

Imagine how Peter felt as he debated getting out of the boat and walking towards Jesus on the water. Jesus was calling him to do what seemed impossible. 

When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 

 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  Matthew 14

It took courage for Peter to step out of the boat and walk towards Jesus. He trusted in his heart and believed that what seemed impossible could be possible with Christ. 

So my friends, step out of the boat and follow where God is calling you. It won’t always be easy, in fact, you might fall here and there. You might be full of doubt and fear as you face the unknown, but like Peter, all you need is the courage to move forward one step at a time.