|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Hast Thou Not Known"1 (Lyrics) |
Comfort zone: a behavioural state that doesn't fabricate anxiety because we're using patterns that we've learned will deliver an expected level of performance without risk.
I wasn't in mine. Having recently graduated from Bible College and been summoned to pastor my first church, my excitement level was intense. But one responsibility that the committee failed to share was delivering grief: leading the congregational singing. To say that I have a Barney Fife voice is putting it mildly. He couldn't carry a tune in a bucket; I can't even carry the tune. And to stand before fifty people and attempt it was nerve-shattering. After five years, my singing was still deplorable, but my nervousness eventually subsided.
Moses was outside his comfort zone. Leading two million people through a wilderness to the Promised Land was no small task, and one that caused him great anxiety. But God assured him:
Exodus 33:14 – I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest – everything will be fine for you. (NLT)
By reading the Bible and Christian history — and through personal experience — I've concluded that stepping outside our comfort zones is a frequent occurrence for the Christ-follower. Otherwise, it wouldn't be faith-walking. When you feel led to step outside your comfort zone, make sure it's at God's prompting. If you're not positive, experimenting will usually reveal the answer in short order. When outside your comfort zone — but in God's will — claim the confidence of God's strength and rebuke the spirit of fear. And any time we follow God in faith — whether in or out of our comfort zones — we must be devoted to God's call, as Moses was. Walking outside our comfort zones is an expression of our trust in God, not an act of foolishness — though it may appear so to others. Get "zoned out" for God.
Prayer: Almighty God, Who has promised never to leave or forsake us, we trust You in faith to sustain and protect us when we follow You into areas of service that we're uncomfortable with. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – In Canada — Pray for those in small or rural churches, many of whom are struggling without adequate leaders or funds to minister to their communities. Give them faith and courage to reach out to neighbours and those who are not involved in worship and fellowship. Pray for their dependence on God to grow as they trust him for guidance and provision.
Prayer for Pastor Kristen: "Update December 2, 2024: Kirsten is not doing well. She will probably need to go on disability. She..." 
Thank you Martin.
Hi Martin!
Is the secret place of the Most High God (Psalm 91), “The Zone”?
Dear Martin,
Great devotional today!
Blessings.
Martin – Thank you for sharing your story and giving us a great message.
Yes, boldness, for Him, gives us great rewards.
God bless you.
Dear Martin Wiles
I empathize with you in your singing discomfort. Only when people near me are singing loudly do I dare to make much sound, for I haven’t been endowed with the talent to know whether I’m on key or off for most of the time.
Incidentally, I have learned that the way at least some persons pick up musical ability is from hearing music while still in utero. I heard of a famous musician who at one time discovered he could play a certain great piece of music that he had not known that he had ever encountered previously. He spoke to his mother about this, and she told him that she had practiced the music for hours and hours to perform it for a concert when she was pregnant with him.
Yes, there are many ways in which we can depend upon our God to get us by our personal discomforts and stretch beyond our fears of going with Him into unfamiliar territory for us — for no territory is unfamiliar to our Lord.
Keep writing.
Many Blessings in 2014, Martin.
If you can’t sing ….. Dance?