I know there's a lot of these threads but ...

[SolitarySoul]

... the situation is a bit different with me. I've really been growing in my relationship with God over the past two years and for the longest time I always thought it's just been my desire to share the good news to others, but sometimes lately it has just seemed so obvious that I have a calling.

I do think I have a calling to go into full time ministry, but I dont know. I just have a passion for it that I never did as a kid, I write daily devotions and have a website online now where I share them and other articles I write, I've had several people tell me I should definatly do it or at least consider it, and I spend the majority of my time in silence with God, but then that's also my "problem". I have social anxiety disorder, which if you don't know what that is it's basically kinda like shyness, except shyness is an extreme understatement ... it even sometimes keeps me from being able to function normally in society because I have a severe phobia, in the same way that someone afraid of heights just can't handle standing on the edge of a building, of talking and interacting with others! It's so hard for me and I don't understand it. I have no idea why I feel this way ... there is no logical explaination for it and when I'm around others I even tell myself, "You're being so silly, just relax", but I can't. It's really ironic though because this "problem" I have is partially what has helped me grow so close to God, because I spend so much time alone in silence, lonely and just observing and analysing everything. I've completely fallen in love with God and His Word over it. But at the same time I wonder if that very problem will stop me from being able to stand up in front of a congregation and preach ... especially at my own church where I already know half the people there.

I do trust that if it is God's will then this phobia of mine wont stop me from going down that path of course, but at the same time I can't help but wonder if I'll ever be able to overcome this fear after I've spent so much time trying to, with little success.

I do see a therapist and last session I mentioned my website which the final version will be going up any hour now, and she was telling me how great it sounds and (even though I don't think she's a Christian) she commented on how interesting it would be to see me, probably the most painfully shy guy you would ever meet in your life, turn into a pastor lol. In a way that hit me and it was really inspiring, but sometimes overcoming that obsticle seems like more of a fantasy than even a possibility. So I can't help but question things and wonder a lot.

So yea there's my story briefly ... I just wanted to hear some other's thoughts.

God Bless

 

[plmarquette]

We got involved in multi level marketing in the Amway business ...

My need to change was greater than my fear of strangers ....

As it turned out , God wanted me born again and spirit filled which started in 1992 at an Amway function ...
then instructed me how to love people , to meet strangers , to see all people as potential customers, builders , or referals...

.... is there an outreach you can plug into ... hospital , nursing home , youth group ...

... can you help out the youth pastor at your church

... can you write letters , speak to those who are hurting here to encourage them ..

have you spoken to your pastor , friends , parents about the call on you life

some of the fear will leave as you step out on faith , attend school , seminary , etc.

there is an online seminary / correspondance course
www.gmrinc.org , Global Ministry and Relief , Dr. Leon Van Rooyen ... might look at .... I obtained a bachelors and mansters degree there

keep on growing in faith
He will help you

 

[AgapesReach]

"It isn't great people who change the world, but weak people in the hands of a great God."

I think that is so beautiful that you shared this, and are walking through this with Him. He brings us through things that will be for His glory. I not only believe you will be able to speak in front of a church, but that that the Lord will use you to captivate hearts for His kingdom.

 

[Daughter of His]

I hope you'll post your website link here so we can read it, maybe that is how you are supposed to begin by organizing and recording what God has put on your heart to share. Have you thought of leading or facilitating a group study of some sort? I would think that might be a good way to move foward. I have SA too, so my heart goes out to you. God let me know once that when I step out for Him, He steps in for me. His stepping in has empowered me to do, only with His help many things I would normally shy away from. He is able!