First of all, Anne Graham Lotz is one of my favorite Christian speakers and authors. I've had the privilege to hearing her speak in person on several occasions and ...even got to introduce myself and shake her hand. I'm sure many of you have done the same but it was such a thrill for me.
You see, Anne was a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Teaching Leader for many years before she began her itinerant ministry. And I was involved in the same international organization as a BSF Children's Leader for 8 years and ...loved it. So, I guess she's been a role model for me.
OK, so back to our quote. I have a natural tendency to stay within my comfort zone. My husband has constantly tried to coax me out of it as we've worked together for the past few years. But I'm slowly learning that to grow you must step out and it's not all that comfortable at first.
On a spiritual level, I'm also learning much about this too. It seems that I tend to learm more ...through difficulties.
Each morning I pray Romans 12:1-2 (with my personal paraphrase):
"I (Debbie), in view of God's mercy, offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is my spiritual act of worship. I will not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but I will be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then I am able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will."
When I start my day with this beginning, I am reminded that I have choices to make during the day.
- I can satisfy my flesh (which still rears its ugly head too often this side of eternity) OR
- I can submit to the Holy Spirit's leading.
And to be sensitive to His leading, I need to spend time with the Lord everyday. By the way, I must give credit to Scott Samter of Opening His Word Together as I've been listening to his teachings on Romans. Great stuff and he's Jill's husband of Forever n Ever n Always.
So, how does this relate to Anne's quote above?
When I submit to the Lord, He is able to use me as a vessel for His purposes. He often provides me with those divine appointments that I can think are interruptions. But when I'm tuned in, I know it's what He would have me to do. And what He has me do is often what I'm not all that comfortable doing ...at first.
For years, I thought He was calling me to teach people about heart disease. It made sense since I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist for 25 years. It was what I knew and in my comfort zone. But life happens and instead I went to work with my husband and had to learn ...about technology.
And in the process, I happened upon blogging. What do you know?
Instead of simply teaching people about heart disease, I have an audience where I'm free to write about the REAL HEART ISSUES. Yes, heart disease may be a part of that but the true message and the need of every heart is to be filled with Jesus. I would never have imagined doing that years ago when I was planning a different path. I may be able to do this only in my spare time now ...but it's a start.
I'm learning that when I allow God to work in and through me, life can be an adventure. I'm discovering more and more as I learn to walk by faith and not just by sight. It takes trust but each day I'm growing ...and so thankful.
Now don't forget to hop over to Nina's blog to find other participating posts for today's quote.
Amen, beautifully said my friend.
ReplyDeleteOh the comfort zone, how I love it so! But you're right if we don't come out of it once and awhile how will we ever know what God can do through us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post my friend.
Kim
Debbie that was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNow as I tell the children - you know. You heard. You must do!
Listen = OBEY!
Keep that close to your vision each day - this helps the flesh remember where it belongs DEAD and BURIED!
Love you,
Jill
Such a struggle between satisfying flesh and submitting. But when we submit and go out of our comfort zone, what great things we see him accomplish! Great post.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote. I like my comfort zone also, but how can we give God all the glory while doing things we KNOW we can do?
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading about how God led you to technology. I am glad he did!
I love the quote and your beautifully written words meet me just where I am. Abba Father continues to challenge me to "Trust and Obey".
ReplyDeleteLove & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
There's such great security in those comfort zones we create, not really. We get stuck there and miss out on some of God's best. Thanks for sharing today, you and I once again traveled down the same path. :)
ReplyDelete"Instead of simply teaching people about heart disease, I have an audience where I'm free to write about the REAL HEART ISSUES."
ReplyDeleteI love this! What an amazing testimony! Just from the things I've read on your blog in recent months, I believe that you have a tender heart before God and you convey God's truths in loving, tender ways.
And I love the passage in Romans that you've personalized into a prayer. Thanks for sharing such great insights.
Blessings,
Denise Hughes :)
I love love love that quote. All too often I'm too much of a wimp to just step out in faith. What an excellent reminder!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a great idea to pray those verses from Romans every morning. I think you have inspired me to do the same!
Thanks so much :)
Hugs,
Kate :)
I'm right there with you, Debbie. Oh, the things we learn when we're challenged! Praise God.
ReplyDeleteLove ya,
Mary
Debbie, What wonderful thought provoking words for today. Love our connection from BSF too! Being stretched isn't always fun but certainly necessary. It is in the hard places that we grow the most.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a blessing and I'm grateful for you!
Hugs to you.
Love, love your take on this quote. I don't remember who said it (I think Max Lucado)..."Don't ask yourself what you can do for God, but what God can do through you if you are willing"...I too am stepping out in faith more and more...and I am loving it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you again for sharing your thoughts on this marvelous quote.
Be blessed today and always...
It definitely *can* be an adventure...if I will just see it that way! I love that outlook and need to be reminded of it often. Thanks so much for sharing this today...encouragement and challenge I needed!
ReplyDeleteBtw...I love BSF, too. I've been out several years but hope to get back someday. This makes me really miss it! :)
I'm learning that when I allow God to work in and through me, life can be an adventure.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but adventures can be scary! Still, I crave a view of His hand so I'll risk it.
God is keeping me quite out of my comfort zone too. But turning it all over to Him brings a freedom that I don't ever want to lose.
ReplyDeleteRich blessings to you as you trust Him more and more!!
I love this Debbie!!!
ReplyDeleteSpeaks into my heart very deeply.
Praise the LORD!
I love you.