Getting past your fears and finding your place
Beth Marshall
Have you ever gotten involved in something, but it became an instant train wreck?
My first experience of volunteering at NewSpring was disastrous. The church was barely a year old and serving options were limited, so I decided to try greeting first-time guests.
It didn’t take long to realize I would have been more comfortable in the dental chair, than awkwardly meeting and greeting total strangers. Thankfully the world-class preaching, music and fresh Krispy Kreme donuts kept the visitors coming back anyway.
It was clear I was in the wrong seat on the bus. After the rocky start at volunteering, I was reluctant to jump in and serve again. Maybe you can relate.
Two Fears You Can Overcome to Discover Your Place
1. I might screw something up.
You probably will, and it’s OK. There’s a good possibility someone will ask a question you can’t answer. That’s OK, too.
My next attempt to serve felt a lot more like home, as I joined up with what is now the Care Team. It took a little while to feel confident, but the more I leaned into the experience of leaders and fellow team members, the more I loved my new team.
James 1:5 spells out what to do when you don’t know what to do. Hint: Ask the Lord. God is faithful to give us wisdom when we ask, seriously believing He will answer.
You will never fully experience God’s best for your life until you step away from fears and jump in with both feet.
2. I don’t know where I fit in.
1 Corinthians 12 is a phenomenal snapshot of the gifts the Lord has given Christians for accomplishing His amazing plans on earth. If you’re not sure what He has created you to do, ask Him. Ask people who know you well what they see as your strengths. Are there activities that come naturally and energize you? Maybe you’re a natural born teacher, servant, or encourager.
The Ultimate Servant
Jesus had options, too. He could have chosen to roll up in a bullet-proof limo, surrounded by an entourage to make sure every luxury was at His fingertips. But that’s not what He did.
Jesus was all in. His humble 33 years on earth were all about serving, washing feet, healing the sick and loving children — serving, not being served (John 13:1-17, Matthew 20:28).
Jesus made us to be servants like He was a servant. Ephesians 2:10 says, “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which were prepared in advance for us to do.”
You will never fully experience God’s best for your life until you step away from fears and jump in with both feet — even if you are a greeting disaster like I was. You don’t have to sign a life commitment. Just jump in somewhere!
Ready to find your place at NewSpring? Sign-up for Connect Classes. At Connect Classes, you'll learn about God's promises to save us, free us, give us purpose and a family. It's the best way to prepare your heart to serve.