Thanks for dropping by today!
Have you ever felt like God has been picking on you lately? Have you considered that maybe, just maybe, He is not picking on you, but picking you!
Sometimes when it seems like we are being "forced" out of our comfort zones in so many ways, and confused about why we are feeling strange inclinations to do something that we never wanted to do before.... what we may not realize is that God is pulling out of our comfort zones so teach us, guide us, stretch us, and mold us into His will.
I can speak from experience that is exactly how God works! He works in mysterious ways, and in different ways with each one of us, but nonetheless, it is always the right way!
I would love to hear about how God has been pulling you out of your comfort zone lately; or how you have been feeling led to do something that you didnt know you were even interested in; or how something has been on your mind lately, and you dont know where it came from? Could it be God?
The stories that GOd is authoring in our lives are more riveting and exciting than any novel we could buy from the store. So, whats your story?
Have you ever felt like God has been picking on you lately? Have you considered that maybe, just maybe, He is not picking on you, but picking you!
Sometimes when it seems like we are being "forced" out of our comfort zones in so many ways, and confused about why we are feeling strange inclinations to do something that we never wanted to do before.... what we may not realize is that God is pulling out of our comfort zones so teach us, guide us, stretch us, and mold us into His will.
I can speak from experience that is exactly how God works! He works in mysterious ways, and in different ways with each one of us, but nonetheless, it is always the right way!
I would love to hear about how God has been pulling you out of your comfort zone lately; or how you have been feeling led to do something that you didnt know you were even interested in; or how something has been on your mind lately, and you dont know where it came from? Could it be God?
The stories that GOd is authoring in our lives are more riveting and exciting than any novel we could buy from the store. So, whats your story?
13 comments:
Tracie, how God has used you to speak directly to so many of us! I, for one, are grateful that you gave into His call. Your "Pick Me" devotional spoke directly to the target that God has painted around my heart. A few months ago, while sitting in my parents' church, I heard God speak to me about a completely new career loud and clear. In the ensuing months, I've struggled, rationalized, been fearful, asked "why me?", but above all...wanted to be obedient to His beautiful voice. I'm still taking steps towards obedience, but learning everyday that I can completely trust our amazing God. I don't want to miss a single blessing that He has in store if I jump off the ledge, hand-in-hand with my Father.
Thank you for sharing your testimony and encouraging me (and other women)! God bless you!
Thanks for your words Tracie - I can relate oh so well! Nearly 3 years ago God put it on my heart to write a book about the impact spiritual mentoring has made in my life. Well I fought that for some time, then finally gave in, figuring I'd put the words on paper and that would be the end of it. Well, sometime later I finished the book and fear kept me at that stage for awhile once again, this was my life and I had not been one to share too much with my close friends, let alone the world. But God kept working on me and last June I submitted and sent my manuscript and eagerly waited for rejection letters. I hate to say it, but I think deep down I was hoping for them. Well last September I was offered a contract and this summer my book will be on the shelves. So yes He does pick us for tasks we don't necessarily want or even feel qualified to do, but I'm thankful I'm seeing my obedience to Him become stronger. And my trust as well. Thanks for sharing, I'm glad God has picked you!!
Wow, this is yet so true again. I often wander why the Lord won't allow me to be a okidoke Christian. I look at my people in my church, and my family and some friends and noticed that they are forever doing something but never ever seem to get in trouble for it. They just go to church (Sometimes). And seem as happy as can be. It's as if they are so free. But me, oh no! Something that seems as simple as picking a church or singing at different places, I don't have a choice. It's where he says and that is it. I often ask the Lord, why can't I just go where I want to go? Or, why every time I do something wrong, or think something wrong, you chastise me? Sometimes when the Lord tells me to go around certain people, who I just don't want to be around, he directs me to go, I feel like Jonah.lol My will is just to sit home and pray and read proverbs 31 devotions(smile) study, and don't be around no one. But he always make me get up anyway. I do pray that the Lord will help me. I learned the other day, that when you have been wounded a lot in your life, and hurt, that it will cause you to not want to be around people. To hide. But the Lord doesn't want me to be like that.
Thank you again, for your wisdom from the Lord.
Your devotional "Pick Me" spoke right to my heart tonight. Then, I stop by your blog where I find more challenge and inspiration. It seems like everywhere I look lately I'm getting the same message spoken to me.
First of all, I'm working with a group of women to start a women's conference. Renee Swope is our guest speaker. I felt God speak to my heart 3 years ago that would someday be part of starting a women's conference. Now, I'm seeing that come to pass. God is really blessing this journey. That's exciting stuff!
However, there was another thing on my mind as I read your devotional and blog post. I know that I'm being called to speak and write...and have known for quite a while. However, I haven't exactly had the "Pick me" attitude. Just the idea of speaking and writing takes me WAY out of my comfort zone.
I relate to your story so much! I've asked God numerous times, "Are you sure you want ME to do this?!"
I know that P31 does She Speaks. I would like to attend, but I'm not sure that it's really fesible for us this year. So my question for you is this: what other kinds of things should I be doing NOW to get my "feet wet"? I have no idea where to start...especially when it comes to speaking.
www.beranville.blogspot.com
rachel.beran@yahoo.com
Thanks for sharing this timely post. Your P31 devotional really spoke to me today. Why is it that we want to be first to be picked for kickball, but last to be picked to lead a Bible study (or whatever)? This was yet another affirmation of what I think God is calling me to do. Yikes! Did I just write that?
Bethany L.
Thank you for sharing this devotion with us. I know that when God lays something on my heart I most of the time I do not have the "pick me" response. Unfortunately, most of the time the first time God calls me to a certain task my response is "You can't possibly be calling me to do this God. There are many more people who are more qualified to do this than I am." Thank you for reminding me that God wants me to have an obedient enthusiastic trusting spirit.
I am a writer. I just don't know what I am supposed to write. I've only been a Christian for 8 years and am just now beginning to re-learn how to write. I am just beginning to find my voice again... my voice but laced with the Holy Spirit. My voice, but God's Will. It's taken me awhile to figure out how that works in regard to writing. Lately though I've just been procrastinating and being..." paralyzed with fear, doubts and insecurities." I am so glad you wrote what you did for Proverbs 31. And thank you for your blog and challenging yet encouraging words.
"When God calls us into service, often the timeliness of our response is a measure of our faith."
Tracie, I don't think it is a coincidence that I didn't read your devotional yesterday morning. God knew I wasn't ready until today. You see, yesterday afternoon a friend asked me it I might consider starting to volunteer at her office. She works at a Deaf Center, and although I hold a diploma in Sign Language, it is like anything, if you don't use your skill, you forget it. I haven't used sign language in years.
As I read your blog post here, I'm wondering...was I too quick to think I couldn't even consider this because I felt this was far outside my comfort zone, or did the Lord allow me this training years ago, "for such a time as this"?
Praying and seeking His direction and decision,
Joy
I can't tell you how many times I have returned to read this since yesterday. At first, the thoughts of being called into a ministry or being asked to give your testimony for the first time were the out of the comfort zones that came to mind. But each time after reading it, I realize how much out of my comfort zone I have come since February.
God speaking is still very new to me. It is something I have prayed for. It is something I long to know for sure when I feel something. Is it Him or just an emotion I may be having at the time? But I know God is working in my life and on my heart. Things are falling in place that show me that for certain.
Through the A Woman Inspired Conference I met a woman that lives close to me. Out of all the women that participated what are the chances? Ironic..well I have learned from you, no that is God speaking. After finding each other on Facebook and after several conversations, she invited me to a bible study she was teaching. Are you ready for the subject...Preparing To Hear From God! Go figure!!!
Let me first just say, going somewhere by myself is so not me. Somewhere meaning a women's conference. Go somewhere that I don't know anyone and especially at another church. Out of my comfort zone. Well, I have been to two so far. Never have I attended a women's bible study. Women share, they want you to share, open your heart and at least open your mouth with comments. That is too personal and there are things I didn't want people to know about me. I have kept people at an arms length. Well, I'm being pulled out of that comfort zone and just went to the second bible study.
I have been praying for guidance and asking God to make me into the woman He created me to be. To be able to do that, I now realize there are a lot of comfort zones I have to step out of. I have to come to Him with that child like faith...total dependence, total trust and realize I need Him for everything. Am I there yet, no. But I know more now than I did three months ago. I am taking those baby steps out of my comfort zones. Where is He leading me now? I think it is getting to the place where I do hear Him and know without a doubt it is Him. I know He has given each of us a special gift of service. Maybe that is where He will lead me next. And when He does, I will have no doubt that He called me into that service, because He spoke to me.
Traci, I woke up this morning with this on my tongue, "Show me God what You want me to do. Speak to my heart so that I can know your will." Then I came to your devotional on Crosswalk and your entry here. They were both answers to my prayer! God has been calling me out to do the same thing, speaking and writing, but with seven kids that I'm homeschooling, plus financial and health concerns, I just didn't see how I could make this happen. However, now I see that God will make it happen, if I will humbly yield to His will and joyfully walk out this calling. He has given me the gifting, now I must rely on Him for the provision to make it all happen. Thanks for this timely reminder! May God continue to bless you as you serve Him!
"little old mom", you made me smile a wry smile - that's me exactly, too! A Christian 9 years and a writer - but haven't a CLUE what to write...God has made it abundantly clear to me over the last THREE YEARS that writing is what I am called to do, and feel like time's a-wasting as I am 54 years old. But having spent the last 20 years writing reports for criminal court (I'm a probation officer), I'm not seeing where to start writing something more God-glorifying. Am I missing something? I did get one of those "arrow-to-the-heart" messages from God last Sunday - "Lifesongs" - that was it, just that word. Tracie, what got you moving, how did you start?
This was the first year I felt that and recognized that God was calling me out of my comfort zone and that I was readier than I thought. I was asked to partner with someone making the decision to join the church, but since I had just moved to this church, I thought the person asking me was asking too much. But since I am not good at saying no, I said yes,and I was so nervous and scared.
In the end, I learned two things. One was that my faith has been in formation long enough that I had something to give and get. I also learned that I have been married long enough to have mature thoughts on faith in marriage too, that I never knew I had. Being partnered with a young woman newly married spurred me into thinking more deeply about the beliefs I hold on the sanctity and commitment of my marriage to my husband.
So Thank God He pushes me onwards- I can survive the growing pains Yahoo!!!!!!!! kath@execulink.com
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