Stepping Out of our Comfort Zones

Exodus 3:10-12
(10) So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring mypeople the Israelites out of Egypt."
(11) But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
(12) And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."

Right now I am reading through the Old Testament again. When I read through this passage I couldn't help but be struck with the fact that Moses had real hesitations towards what God was calling him to do. He didn't feel like he was qualified. Perhaps it was that he felt he couldn't represent God or His people in the most effective way for he had difficulties with speaking in front of people.

Moses says to God in Exodus 4:10,

"Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

I love how God answers him back. He doesn't try to reassure Moses of his own abilities but bring up the fact that He made Moses, and He knows very well what He is doing. That if He calls one to do something no matter what they seem able or unable to do, He will help them fulfill His will for them if they are obedient to His call.

Exodus 4: 11 "Who gave human being their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them bling? Is it not I, the Lord? (12) Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

That took a lot of faith...to go in front of Pharoah and represent God and His people, telling him to let them go and worship their God out in the wilderness, knowing that that was going to to be the means in which they were to escape. If Moses hadn't put his full faith in God and believed His words surely he would have opted out of doing it. That would have been tragic.

So...that makes me ask all of us, including myself, when we know God is calling us to do something for His Kingdom, are we willing to answer His call? Are we willing to make worldly fools of ourselves in order to bring our God glory?

Many of the ways in which we manifest God's kingdom here on earth are not popular in today's cluture. The whole concept of compassion, selflessnesss...laying one's life down for his brother, loving people that are trying to kill us and who our government is fighting against...seeing Christ and the divine in those individuals, forgiving those who hurt us...all those things are unpopular. But when we read God's Word, they are all things God is calling us to do.

Are we willing to step outside our comfort zones, like Moses did, and fulfill God's Will for our lives? If God calls you to speak and you cringe at the thought of speaking in front of people, will you do it anyways? If God call you to extend yourself in fellowship to someone that you don't really "click" well with, will you do it anyways? For the sake of the Body of Christ to be able to function in harmony? Let's step out of our comfort zones so that God's praises and glory will resonate through this world from one end to another!

One line really stands out in the conversation between Moses and God when I consider making touch choices in order to live out a genuine and fruitful walk. When Moses shows hesitation, God tells him, "I will be with you."

Isn't it enough to know that God is with us? I know it doesn't always seem like it is enough because we are creatures that crave tangible reassurements...but when it comes down to it, the maker of heaven and earth, the sustainer of all life...if our obedience is aligned with His will..what can stand against us and what do we really have to fear? The opinions of man? How do they compare to that of the favor and blessings of God?

With God we can do anything!

Psalm 18:29-32

(29) With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.
(30) As for God, His way is perfect: The LORDS's Word is flawless;
He shields all who take refuge in Him.
(31) For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
(32) It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for your unending mercy and grace. For your everlasting faithfulness that is always present even when our hearts stray from you. Forgive us our sins, for they are many, as we learn through your Son to forgive those that have sinned against us.

May you cause us to become fixed on Jesus and focused on the paths that you have for our lives. Illuminate to us your Will for our lives.  May you give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones so that we may serve you and your children, manifesting your kingdom here on earth, bringing you glory from one end of the earth to the other. May we this day, and every day, in your light and love,  be lamps shining out in the darkness of the world. May our hearts always be attentive to the whispers of your Spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.