In my journey so far of following, loving, and serving Christ, there have been many occasions in which I was asked (either by leadership, or prompting of the Holy Spirit) to do something outside of my comfort zone. To be fair, my comfort zone is pretty small. I am an introvert and while I enjoy serving, I prefer to work behind the scenes in a more supportive role. I don’t enjoy doing anything that would put me in the spotlight or draw any attention. In fact, I would say I am resistant to those things.
So when I am asked to do something that is in an area that I would consider myself weak in, my typical response is to politely decline and/or point to someone who is obviously a better choice for such a task. Whether it is speaking, leading, praying out loud, or even writing for the Shaken & Stirred blog. My doubts, fears, and insecurities are many. What if I sound or look stupid? What if people think I’m weird? What if I stutter and stumble over my words? No, I can’t risk it.
Recently I had someone point out to me that this may be a pride issue. Now, I’ve never considered myself a prideful person since I don’t want to be in the spotlight or have any attention on me. So, this was shocking to hear. I would tend to think of that as humility, not pride.
In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul says,
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others better than yourselves. Don’t look out for only your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
So, the truth is that, if I am sitting on the sidelines, not doing what God is calling me to do because I am afraid that I might look stupid, that is pride. I’m more worried about myself and how I am perceived by others, than I am about that person that could be reached if would just let go and let God use me how HE wants to use me. I’m looking out for my own interests instead of others and that is not humility. That is pride.
Ouch. That was a hard pill to swallow. But then, the Holy Spirit directed me to this scripture. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 it says,
“Each time He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’”
So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work in me.
You see, God wants to use me in my weakness. The truth is my weaknesses are where God can use me the most. His power works best in weakness, and if I can just surrender my pride to Him, then I will get to experience His power working in me. I don’t have to try to do things in my own power, because His power works best in my weakness.
The Lord has been stirring some things in me for some time now and I have been resistant to take the leap of obedience for all the reasons I have already shared. One of those things being writing for Shaken & Stirred. So here I am. Laying down my pride. Exchanging it for obedience. Choosing to be obedient to do what God has called me to do, and to allow His power to work in and through my weakness for His glory.
Perhaps you can relate. What is God calling you to do that may be outside your comfort zone? Delayed obedience is disobedience. Where do you need to be obedient to allow God to use you in your weakness?
Sarah Mercado is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a follower of Christ, a wife, and
mother of two. She is a small business owner, and a founding contributor of Church That Matters. When
she is not working, she can be found spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading, or
listening to a podcast.