Milestone: a significant or important event in somebody’s life.
I want to share something personal with all of you. I made a promise to myself when I started blogging that I wouldn’t just post fluff. I promised myself I would write about all things. Struggles, victories, confusion, God, sports, family, and anything else I care about.
This past weekend was a milestone for me. I was given the privilege to speak at all of our weekend services here at New Life. I spoke to over 3,500 people. 5 services were live and 1 video. It was an incredible adventure. I enjoyed every bit of it.
But I had a lot of different emotions before, during, and even after the weekend. Nervous, excited, fearful, honored, humbled. Here is why. For a long time, I disobeyed God and ran from Him because I didn’t want to speak in front of crowds. I knew that God was asking me to serve the church full time and be a pastor but I wasn’t willing because of this fear. I knew ministry involved public speaking. I was terrified.
I finally accepted it, began working in ministry, and started trying to speak. For the last 7 years I have struggled with my confidence in speaking! Like a lot. Before I would speak I would start freaking out and sweating like a nasty man. Haha! Seriously! I would feel sick to my stomach and completely paralyzed by fear. I don’t know if you have ever experienced fear like this or not but it’s not fun. I would compare myself to others and rely too much on myself. There were times of internal pain and anguish and dread. No lie. I’m not exaggerating. It was so painful.
I hated what I felt led by God to do.
Only recently have I found the peace and confidence that I need to do what God has called me to do. I honestly don’t struggle with any of that stuff anymore. I’m so thankful for God’s strength to overcome insecurities and fear and I hope that you do as well.
I’ll share with you a few things that helped me:
- I stopped taking myself too seriously.
- I started focusing on vision.
- I have spent hundreds of hours working diligently on my communication skills.
- I decided I would be willing to fail.
- I learned to be myself no matter what.
- I changed my thinking.
All of this took years of pain to do but I’ve finally done them. I will continue to rely on God for my confidence and security in this area.
I share this with you to encourage you in your area of anguish, pain, insecurity, or trial. There is something around the corner even if you can’t see it.
God will use your weakness to show HIS power. If you are a disciple of Christ then you will be stretched beyond your limits. Your hard work and preparation will pay off.
You will have a milestone moment even if it takes 7 years!
McAllister broke his arm…yep. Broken arm. You may be asking, “How did he break his arm?” Well, he fell off the back of the couch as he attempted one of his new ninja jump moves. Seriously.
