Confirming Our Calling Outside Our Comfort Zone

I was casually scrolling through social media last year when someone’s post caught my eye.  It was a prayer request from a desperate wife whose marriage was in critical condition due to alcoholism.

Despite not knowing this woman, I felt the Lord prompt me to reach out to her privately.  As He did, I felt an incredible sense of urgency not to let this young wife spend one more second feeling helpless and alone.  I wanted her to know somebody cared about her and her marriage and would be there to encourage her as she faced this uphill battle.

I was surprised but happy when she responded to my DM, given that I was a stranger.  She quickly expressed her thankfulness to have someone to confide in since she did not have a pastor or pastor’s wife in her life.  She also said she did not know where to turn for help, so she reached out on the internet.

During our lengthy conversations that spanned several weeks, I learned about her husband’s recent fall back into alcoholism after considerable sobriety.  I also discovered that he abandoned her and their children during that time, leaving her feeling helpless and crying uncontrollably.  With the Lord’s help, wisdom, and direction, I ministered to this young wife and encouraged her in her faith, which had taken a back seat in her life.

I share this story with you because God often uses situations outside our comfort zones or expertise to uncover or confirm our calling.  I could have easily scrolled past this wife’s desperate post without hesitation because alcoholism is not an area of proficiency for me.  But when Jesus prompted me to contact her and we engaged in several conversations, He showed me two things.

First, He revealed that His promptings always have a purpose even if they do not make sense to me at the time.  Second, He confirmed that the women He calls me to counsel, teach, train, and encourage in their faith are not always those in situations of familiarity.

What about you?  Do you want to discover God’s calling for your life or have it confirmed?  Then, you must step out by faith when He prompts you to do something.  Otherwise, how will you ever know by staying safe in the shadow of uncertainty?