We all have those comfortable spots, don’t we? Places where we feel secure, surrounded by the familiar. It can be tempting to stay put, to avoid the nudge that whispers of something more, something different. I know this feeling well. There have been times in my life where the comfort of the known felt far more appealing than venturing into the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

But what happens when we become so entrenched in our routines that we miss the gentle prompting of God’s call? The sermon shared recently resonated deeply with this idea, reminding me of the importance of moving, both literally and figuratively, to experience new possibilities. Just like the youth minister encouraged us to shift seats, sometimes God asks us to step out of our accustomed places and into something new.

The Hesitation of the Unknown

This can feel incredibly daunting. Perhaps, like Moses, we question our qualifications. “Who am I,” we might wonder, “to step into this new venture, to embrace this unexpected path?”. I’ve certainly felt this inadequacy. There have been times when past mistakes loomed large, casting shadows of doubt on any forward movement. The feeling of having fallen short, of having failed, can be a heavy weight to carry, making the prospect of stepping out again feel almost impossible.

Moses’ Example of Reluctance

Yet, the story of Moses in Exodus 3 offers profound encouragement. Here was a man with a significant history, including a moment where he jumped ahead of God’s timing. He then spent forty years in reflection, perhaps filled with regret. When God appeared in the burning bush and called him to a monumental task, Moses’ initial response was not one of bold acceptance, but of questioning and even reluctance.

God’s Unwavering Promise

His hesitation is something I can deeply relate to. There are times when the weight of my own struggles, my own internal battles, makes it hard to believe that God could use me for anything significant. But God’s response to Moses cuts through the self-doubt: “But I will be with you“. This simple yet powerful promise echoes through scripture and into our lives today.

Beyond Our Own Abilities

It’s easy to rely on our own abilities, our own understanding, our own intelligence. But the truth is, if God has given us a task, our abilities alone are often not enough. It requires a dependence on Him, a trust that He equips the called. As the sermon highlighted, it’s not about what we bring to the table, but about trusting Him to work through us.

Small Steps and Surrender

Sometimes, the next step isn’t a giant leap into the unknown, but a small, seemingly insignificant shift. It might be reaching out to someone new, exploring a different way of studying God’s Word, or simply surrendering our anxieties and desires to His care. For me, learning to truly trust God with the messy parts of my life, the areas where I feel most vulnerable, has been a continuous journey. Bringing those struggles to Him, fully and honestly, is itself a step forward.

The Universal Call to Action

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is a clear calling for all Christians: to go and make disciples. This might seem like an enormous task, but the next step could simply be sharing your faith with a neighbor or offering a word of encouragement to a friend. It’s about taking action, trusting in the Lord, and not relying solely on our own strength.

Overcoming Fear and Doubt

Even when we feel unqualified, when past failures whisper doubts in our ears, God’s promise remains: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand” (Isaiah 41:10). He knows our struggles, our weaknesses, and our potential. Our part is to take that next step, however small it may seem, trusting that He will guide us and equip us along the way.

Embracing the Journey of Faith

Therefore, I encourage you, as I encourage myself: don’t let fear or past failures hold you captive. Listen for that gentle nudge, that stirring in your heart. Take that next step, trusting that the God of hope is with you, ready to lead you into the fullness of His calling. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but stepping out in faith is where we often discover the amazing things God has in store.

As I reflect on this journey of faith, I’m reminded of the many times I’ve felt that inner stirring, that gentle nudge toward something more. There have been moments of immense clarity and times when the path ahead seemed shrouded in mist. Yet, in those uncertain spaces, the call to trust, to take that next step, has always been present. It’s a process of learning to discern God’s voice amidst the noise of our own fears and doubts. If you’re feeling that same pull, that same whisper in your heart, I encourage you to explore further. You might find encouragement in Broken Yet Beautiful: God’s Power in Your Weakness, perhaps gain insight into Beyond Ritual: Cultivating a Genuine Relationship with God, or discover practical guidance in How to Transform Your Struggle into Strength. Trust that the journey, though sometimes challenging, is always worth it when we step out in faith.

References

• CCM Midweek Service