“If you’re not making a difference, it’s almost certainly because you’re afraid.”

A thought by Seth Godin (2011-03-01) from his book, Poke the Box (Kindle Location 915). AmazonEncore. Kindle Edition.

I was sitting this weekend at my local Starbucks talking to a new friend about life. I do that a lot. It is kind of what I do now to make a difference.

I used to be afraid to talk individually with people to strike up a conversation with someone because I was socially shy. Oh I could get up in front of 100’s of people and sing but one on one scared me. I was immature socially. Now please understand that it is a risk to step out of one’s comfort zone in order to make a difference. Making a difference doesn’t just happen.

There was a time that I moved out of the secure job that I had as a staff minister. I had been a part of music almost all of my life, had a lot of success. I also had great days as a Youth Minister and then as the Associate Minister in charge of the Adult Ministry for a large church. But I remember the day that I sensed there was something more and I moved with my family to Austin, Texas to start a new church. The truth is I didn’t know what I was doing. I had only preached five times and I knew I was in trouble but I also knew it was what I was supposed to do. It was the way that God wanted to make a difference through me. And I thank Him for the great opportunity He has given me.

What is the dream that you have but you are afraid to step out and do? Let me encourage you as a nearly 65 year old guy that has lived an exciting life who didn’t let fear stop him, let me encourage you to step out and do. Don’t let your fear of the unknown keep you from making a difference through your dream. Yes it will be difficult, yes you will get tired and yes you will sometimes feel like you made a mistake but it will be worth it.

We each one were created by God to make a difference. But you ask how? And the answer I have for you is to seek within you and look around at the needs that are there and see yourself doing something about them and then doing what you see no matter your fear.

What would happen to our worlds if we all would step out of our comfort zone to make a difference?

What would happen in you?

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