I seem to be running into the same theme lately, and that would be; stepping out of one's comfort zone. This is actually something I think of often since I feel like God constantly gives me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone as He wants to stretch me and my self-given capacities.
Such opportunities have not alway been obvious to me. It had been real easy to walk right on by and not given the situation a second thought. But once I changed my mind set and started listening to God's prompting, those opportunities became so obvious that there was no way I could ignore them.
This doesn't mean that I always jump in with both feet. I'm real good at rationalizing why I can't do something or why I shouldn't get involved. But I'm getting better and to be honest, the more I venture out of that rather small area of comfort, the bigger my zone gets and it becomes easier and more rewarding.
Rewards? That actually has become one of the clear reasons God has shown me for stepping out and doing something that I wouldn't normally have thought to do. And the biggest reward, for me, is that of blessing someone in a real and tangible way. Most of the time, I end up being the one that is blessed.
In my prayer group today, we discussed this subject in great length. We were challenged by the following questions.
::> How often do I sacrifice my own agenda? or How Much do I inconvenience myself for another?
::> What do I do to bless someone else without looking for credit?
::> How often do I pick right over easy?
::> How can I determine to change my habits?
If you feel inclined, challenge yourself to answer and reflect on these and then find a way to make that first step out of your comfort zone. Be a blessing and be blessed.
10 comments:
taking the first step is always the hardest.
then you just slide downhill from there ;-)
Thanks for the thought provoking blog and excellent need-to-be-asked frequently questions. I am going to journal them this week.
It's great that you have a prayer group!
I firmly believe we are blessed to be a blessing for others. I think when God sees us stepping out of our comfort zone, He thinks, "good job, Diana."
I love hearing your on-going faith story/journey.
A very thought provoking post we all need to pay more attention to.
Thanks!
Susan
Good questions! I wonder what it means that each one made me feel so tired. :-P
I think that's my default setting with God these days. When he asks me to step out of my comfort zone I whine, "But God, I'm sooo tired."
What a great post! Those questions are fantastic... you have definately given me things to think about.
I struggle with jumping into things. I worry too much. I play the "what if..." game WAY TOO MUCH! It makes me ask the question, "Where is my trust??"
Great questions. I like Barb's idea to journal about them. I'm a great one for staying within my comfort zone.
Thought provoking. I think so many of us are guilty of staying in our comfort zone and not seeing what it is God truly wants us to do, and that is to go out of comfort zone, for Him. We often find that the real blessing is there, if we just allow Him to do his work within us.
An interesting post, my dear! I like to think of myself as a risk taker but when it comes down to it, I have to ask myself how often I really step out of my comfort zone. Thanks for the reminder!
Great post - this is something I have had to learn to do as I was not raised this way. My parents are still very much "me first" which can be frustrating and I know they wonder why I try to help people when I already seem "busy" with the kids.
It is something I also want to teach my children - thanks for getting me thinking!!!!
GREAT questions Diana. Going to have to give them some thought.
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