When God says “Step Out”

I love my comfort zone. It’s safe. And familiar. In my comfort zone I am free from the threat of fear and rejection. I can decide who I let into my safe space. I am in control and I am happy in my comfort zone.

But then God asked me to STEP OUT.

The pandemic gave me a change in perspective. Perhaps it was the effect of being forced to slow down, of nowhere else to be except the present, no other commitments other than my family that made life simpler. Not easier, but simpler. I have always loved writing but being at home gave me more time and opportunities to write. But I am more of a “write in your private diary” kind of girl. Only rarely have I allowed another person to catch sight of my written words.

 But the Lord said STEP OUT.

He used people, circumstances, and His Word to tell me time and again that He wanted me to share what He was teaching me with others.

In the past, whenever I have felt the Lord speaking to me about doing something new, like Moses I have always come with a number of excuses. This time was no different.

Moses asked, “Lord who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” I asked, “Lord there are so many who write so well, who am I?”

Moses said, “Lord, I cannot talk.” I said, “Lord I cannot write.”

Moses said, “They will not listen to me.” I asked, “What if no one reads what I write?”

But Moses’ God is MY God, and like He answered Moses that day, He told me, “But I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12

I honestly had no excuses left. Early this year I started my blog. And more than anyone I have been blessed. When Moses obeyed, God used Him mightily. And I believe God is using me in some small way too.

Fast forward a few months and God asked me to step even further out of my comfort zone. It all started before the lock down when I was on the lookout for some Christian resources for my kids (ages 3 and 6). I couldn’t find many in India. There are numerous resources outside India, but shipping costs a bomb! I ended up making a few “Attributes of God” flashcards by hand. But seeing as I’m really bad with a pencil and paper, I soon gave that up! Sometime later, I was introduced to some apps and I started using those to create pictures for my blog. I began to play around with creating scripture cards and flashcards too. They were a great help to us and we enjoyed using them as a family. More recently, the Lord has been leading me to share these with others. Believe me when I say, I had a long list of excuses – fear of failure, time, ability, cost, and logistics are only a few.

But God kept speaking to me in one way or another. One day He spoke to me through the verse in our devotional. “I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Psalm 34: 4-5

Another time He used a close friend to get my attention when she shared this verse with me. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I kept pushing the thought away but the Lord didn’t give up. Last month, He challenged me again. Some of my homeschooling friends shared with me some talks from a homeschooling summit they were attending online. Although we don’t homeschool, I decided to listen to the introductory note by Dr. John MacArthur. It was titled, “The War on Children: How to Provide Shade For Your Children in a Corrupt World.” God took away all my doubts that day. Dr. Macarthur, among many other things, talked about how we need to teach our kids the basics of theology from a young age. Bibles stories are great but they are not enough. He emphasized that our kids need to know who God is, in order for them to make the decision to follow Him in the future. He stressed that our children need to know the word of God. And that was confirmation for me. I wanted to provide parents with simple tools that would help them teach their children about the Lord and His Word. I did not have a whole lot of ideas yet, but I was challenged to use what I had, just like the little boy with his two fish and five loaves of bread. I immediately sent a text to my husband telling him that I was going to go ahead.

One month later, with lots of help from my ‘helpers’ (you know who you are!) here we are, adding a SHOP to my blog. It’s surreal really. It’s not me at all. Putting my creation out there for the world to see. But God. He honors obedience. He honors small beginnings. And He equips us. Right now I have four products and lots of uncertainties. And God who goes before me. That’s enough, right? Yes. Still, sometimes doubts and fears creep up. I don’t know if this will work or not. But God’s word assures me and knowing that the He is leading me, I am stepping out in faith.

I want to encourage everyone reading this: Trust that when we step out, God will show up. Whether it be answering the Lord’s call to be part of a ministry, to write, to start a school, or a small business. Any work that God has assigned to you is Kingdom work. Our obedience glorifies God and I believe that even if one person is blessed, we can call it a success!

Soli Deo Gloria!

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8