Stepping out and stepping up.

As I sit in the back of this place, worship music coming from the stage, and people's hearts on fire for God. His presence is all around me. I watch humbly in amazement that God has called me here tonight. 

Think about that.

God has called you here. 

Wherever you are currently reading this from, He has called you to that exact place for this very moment in time. Embrace it. Embrace every moment. 

I often think how many times God has brought me to a certain place and I've just let it slip past me. It was because I was too focused on letting my fears control me. I let the little voice in my head whisper to me saying, "what if?" And I made the mistake of listening instead of acting. 

What if I would have bought that lady's meal?

What if I talked to that homeless man? 

What if I chose to go to that school and not this one?

What if I was supposed to pray with that one person I work with?

The list goes on and on. 

These thoughts consumed me and I kept falling for letting my own fears hold me back. I wasn't willing to step out of my own comfort zone and step up to act upon it. 

It's time for us to quit letting our fears consume us and embrace every moment and every situation that God has blessed us with in the here and now. No more what ifs. 

Earlier, as I worshipped God, I heard a voice saying "Worship Me with ALL that is within You." 

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. As has just been said: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." -Hebrews 3:13-15

Dang. If only you knew what my flesh was battling within that moment. The former me would have heard that voice and ignored it completely to just stand there. It took me years to step out of my comfort zone and raise my hand in worship. I used to think people would judge me or someone who doesn't know the meaning behind the act would look at me and think, "What is she doing?" I wasn't willing to step up and show them that: this is what worshipping Jesus looks like. 

But tonight, hearing that voice, I was able to fall on my knees and worship Him. I was able to step out of my former comfort zone from years ago that would have kept me from seeking Him completely. I was able to step up... and if other were watching me? AWESOME. I pray that they themselves would learn the meaning behind it and that our church would be able to show them that: THIS is how you worship with all that is within you. Fall and surrender it all at His feet. 

So tonight, I challenge you to step UP and step OUT of your comfort zone. You will be amazed at the places He will take you.