out of my comfort zone

Butterflies danced in my stomach as I walked across the stage to the podium. I listened to Anthony talk about the music video that the youth group had watched about persecution (Coming For Me by the Frontline). He stepped away and I took a deep breath and stepped into place. I looked out into the sea of faces and in that moment God gave me strength and it wasn't hard anymore. I told the congregation that I wanted to read them a few lines from the lyrics to the song that had really struck home for me. 

 His message: Revenge is His!
So forgive as He forgives and He'll avenge His kids
Last in the world means first in the Kingdom
You encourage us because you thirst for the Kingdom

//

He sees their hearts, He sees the scars
Sees the tears, He sees the pain
Even though the end seems far, 

Keep on standing in His name
Said He’ll never leave, He promised us
So we pray and in God in we trust
On that great day all believers will say
Hey, the Lord’s coming back for me
Yeah, the Lord’s coming back for me

//

Injustice prevails not because of the violent

Injustice prevails when the free remain silent

//

Their blood is the seed of the church so I
Intercede for the seeds and the works
So remember the chains
Little sunshines I'll remember the pain
That rains on my brothers and sisters
He will avenge, so we're hoping
Praying and never moping
Eternity's what our scope is
So though right now it's a strain
To live is Christ, and to die is gain.

I read it, smiling a bit to myself over my pronunciation (I'd translated it). Then I turned back to the worship team and picked up my violin. Slightly nervous, not knowing how I'd done, I glanced back behind me at one of the other musicians, who smiled. I was encouraged. And that smile was contagious. Throughout the whole next song, my face was radiant, I felt it in my eyes. I knew right then that I had found a new love. Being part of the worship team leading the church in praising and worshipping God was amazing. My heart was fuller than it had been in a long time. Not even hitting sharps and flats could bring me down.

 When our youth group leader had asked me if I wanted to play with the other youth musicians, I was tempted to say no. But deep down I knew that that's what I wanted - to play and help lead the church praise God. So I said yes.

I'm so glad I did.

It was an absolutely incredible experience with absolutely amazing people. 

So would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

I learned that it pays off to step out of your comfort zone and do something new. Who knows what will happen? This whole experience has encouraged me to trust in God and step out, because only He knows what will result. So take those feet, be they big or small, and take that step.

After the service our regular worship leader came over and asked me if I'd be willing to bring my violin to the church retreat this weekend. I could barely contain my happiness. So in between running through the woods, playing some of the craziest games ever, eating delicious food; you just might find me fiddling away on top of an mountain.