Triumph!

Well, I did it! I said the prayer in front of the church. Luckily, I only had to do it during the early service (we have 2 services), and most of the people must have been sleeping in, so the room was half empty. I got up to read the scripture, and I told myself, "This isn't so bad. I can do this." Then I said a quick prayer under my breath, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength....Please be with me." I read the scripture, and everything was fine. Then I asked the congregation to kneel with me for prayer. I started, "Our gracious and loving heavenly Father..." Uh, oh! I started shaking.

I had a wireless microphone in my hand, and I almost couldn't hold it. I quickly grabbed it with my other hand. Now both of my hands were shaking wildly, barely holding the mic. I continued speaking. My voice was quivering. "Hurry. But don't talk fast. Don't panic," I told myself. I concentrated on the words I was saying. I pictured Jesus in my mind. "I am only speaking to Him. No one else is here." I told myself. I continued with the prayer. Finally, I got to "Amen." I did it! I hurried to my seat, and immediately my eyes welled up with tears. But I made it! I didn't pass out or throw up. And I didn't run away!

God helped me to face my fear, and I survived! My husband said he couldn't tell that I was even nervous (although I am sure he would say that no matter what). Will I try it again? I don't know. But if I need to step out of my comfort zone again, I know I can count on God to get me through it, just as He did this time.