PRESSURE

Public speaking has never really been my thing. I am much more of a behind the scenes kind of girl. My first major public speaking event was this past Christmas Eve. A Pastor at the church had to back out of his scheduled reading because his wife became ill at the last minute. Instead of rearranging the entire night, I volunteered to fill in for him. Wow... what was I thinking? We have three Christmas Eve services at our church. The first one was a bomb! I was so nervous. I made it through the reading just fine. I didn't stumble on my words or anything, but wow... you could hear my voice shaking. I tried so hard to take a deep breath and let it pass, but no chance! It was there for all to hear. Well, by the third service... I was a pro (haha that was a BIG joke). Although not a real pro, the voice warble was gone and I delivered my bit and felt pretty good about it.

Well, I'm on deck again. I guess I didn't blow it too bad and I have been assigned a reading for our Good Friday services. Man... the reading I was assigned (as is everyone else's) is phenomenal. Our Pastor is a tremendous writer and he really just blows me away. I guess I am feeling a tremendous amount of pressure because our Good Friday service is going to be amazing and I really don't want to be the one bad part! Well... preparation is usually my biggest pet peeves and I know that will ease my mind, but I'm heading to the scripture for my comfort. I know that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" so that is where I will put my worries! I honestly believe that when put under pressure the true character of a person is revealed and we are forced to fully rely on Christ. I don't want to let my Lord down.

What do you rely on or where do you turn when you are called to step outside of your comfort zone?