Stepping Out

I heard a pastor say once that you should “move” when feeling the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart. My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty because I did not want to do what I felt led to do at that moment. How was I supposed to know if it was really God leading me to do it, anyway? I privately questioned in my heart how to discern between the Holy Spirit’s ‘voice’ and my own, personal thoughts. God evidently heard my silent wonderings because the pastor then said (to the entire congregation), “If you’re heart is pounding, you can be sure that the Holy Spirit is speaking.”

Another wise pastor said on a different occasion that if what you feel led to do isn’t something you want to do or feel comfortable doing, then most likely it’s the Holy Spirit speaking and not yourself.

Often I feel God stirring my heart to act. That little voice inside of you that says, “You should ________ (fill in the blank).” For me it is a multitude of little things: buy someone a sandwich, say a prayer for that person, speak up in a meeting, donate my time or money here or there, say an encouraging word to so-and-so, give my seat to someone in need. Little things to me that would not take much effort on my part, but who knows the difference they can make in someone else’s life. However, I easily dismiss these ‘small’ urgings to do for others because it may be uncomfortable or inconvenient for me, or I hear the opposite voice that says, “What difference is it really going to make?”

I found myself reading the book of Jonah recently and relating to Jonah’s instinct to run from God’s call to action. Jonah 3:3 says “Now Nineveh was a very important city-a visit required three days.” This sends up red flags for me. I loathe being the center of attention and I can think of nothing that would take me out of my comfort zone quicker than inserting myself into the spotlight amongst any form of an important group. However, this is where God called Jonah to go. In fact, it is often where He calls all of us to go: out of our comfort zone. If we are not willing to step out of the comfortable ‘bubble’ that we have created for ourselves, then how do we grow? The answer is we don’t. Is it comfortable interviewing for a new job? No, but you won’t move up if you don’t take that step. Is it comfortable going to a dinner party where you don’t know anyone? No, but you won’t make new friends if you don’t put yourself out there. Is public speaking comfortable? Maybe it is for some of you, but for me, definitely not. However, how will I not gain the confidence nor will I reach people that God may have wanted to speak to through me if I don’t take the opportunity to speak up. If I am not stretching myself to grow, then I am limiting the ways that God can use me as well as my potential. Yes, it is uncomfortable at first, but that feeling is temporary and the payoff is long lasting. Aside from that, if God is calling you to action, He is going to ensure that you are fully equipped. 2 Timothy 4:17 says, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed..”

I read on in Jonah 3 where is describes Jonah’s proclamations of calamity in this very important city if the people did not turn from their wickedness. Then, beginning in verse 7, it says that when the King of Nineveh heard Jonah’s message “he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.’” If I were Jonah, this would not be the response I would expect from an important king of an important city. However, the king recognized Jonah’s message as the word of God, though Jonah was a ‘nobody,’ and he made a radical change in his city. As a result, God had compassion and did not bring destruction upon them. My take-away from this is that it does not matter who you think you are or to what extent you think you are capable because God has no limitations. When He calls me to action He is sending me with His resources, which means I want for nothing and I need not fear.

We recently celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. and I happened to read the passage about Jonah around that time. It occurred to me that another beautiful example of acting out of obedience and faith is Martin Luther King. He spoke when he felt called to do so and his words fueled by love evoked a powerful movement and change. I wonder how things would be different if Dr. King had not spoken up when he felt a stirring in his spirit to act. I wonder if he had any inkling of the magnitude of change he would effect. I do not presume to know what his “comfort-zone” was, but he had to know that he would face opposition and many struggles. I am so thankful that Dr. King decided not to shy away from the calling on his life in the face of many obstacles and unknowns.

This is a reminder to me, and hopefully to you, not to short-change myself on what God can do through me and the blessing that comes from heeding His gentle stirrings in my heart.