Wednesday, September 17, 2008

BFS Assignment #102 - Try it, You’ll Like It!


Intro: Try it, you’ll like it! (Life Cereal)When everyone else was afraid to try Life Cereal, they called on Mikey. Sometimes stepping out of our comfort zone is just too scary. Have you felt God gently (or maybe not so gently) nudging you to do something for someone else? You know that it needs to be done, but you keep putting it off because it is outside of your comfort zone? Well ladies, this week we are taking a step outside of our comfort zones.

Assignment: This week I want you to do something for someone else. Whatever you choose to do is between you and God. Our rewards are in heaven, not here on earth, Mathew 6:1. I want you to post about how doing this “act” made you feel. Was stepping out of your comfort zone in this area as hard as you thought it might be? If this is an area that you are already active in, tell us how you feel this has impacted your life.

Memory Verse: Psalms 26:2 Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.

This one wasn't really easy for me. I love to help and I love to serve. So, why would I say it wasn't easy for me?? Well, have you ever felt something being laid on your heart ever so gently and you acknowledged it, but decided that you were busy and besides you did plenty of other things for others and I'm sure someone else is addressing that and besides what difference can I make? Oh, you haven't felt that way? Sigh.... Well, I have. I guess I should say I am feeling that way. This assignment really helped me realize that I need to act on what God has been telling me to do for Him. Truthfully, it isn't that big of a deal and it really isn't out of my comfort zone. I can't even give a good reason for not already have taken care of it other then I feel helpless. I don't have the answer for this person who lost a loved one...but I guess she doesn't want an answer. She just wants to know someone is still thinking about her and knows that her husband was a good man and misses him, also. So, yep....I will be taking care of that this week. Thanks for the reminder! Just that little thing that isn't even out of my comfort zone brought me to one of those "A-ha"moments.

Sometimes we are all quick to answer that yes, we love to help and love to serve....but are we always listening to God's prompting or are we doing it ourselves. Making a dinner for a friend, writing an encouraging note, babysitting, etc is all GREAT and can be a tremendous blessing. However, please make sure you are not just looking for your own ways to bless others and that you are not ignoring what God wants from you. If He is telling you that your family is who you are to be serving right now, then that is what you need to be doing. If He is telling you to step out into your neighborhood and serve, then you need to take that step. If He is telling you to volunteer at a Crisis Center, then I would be looking into that. Just make sure your serving is actually serving Him and not just ourselves.

I think God often wants us to step out of our comfort zone. Then He shines. When we know that we did not have the strength or the will to accomplish something, yet we were obedient....that is when God was at work and where His work will be done. :) I am praying that we can all tune into God's will for our lives and be in touch with opportunities that He brings our way.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said. I agree that we should seek God in our service work instead of only doing what feels good to us. -Karen

www.homeschoolblogger.com/justkaren

Anonymous said...

Amen and Amen! A lot of times it is all too easy to ignore the Holy Spirit's prompting and instead do something when and how WE want to do it. And you're so right, busyness is no excuse but sadly one that I've used over and over.

Thank you for sharing your heart, for a great reminder, and for the encouragement to follow and obey the LORD.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry that the assignment wasn't an easy one, but so PLEASED that you felt the gentle tugging of the Lord to help you do what He has placed upon your heart!

I knew that this assignment would move people out of their comfort zones and its very inspiring to read the results.

MrsTamara
BFS Teacher

Sheri said...

You said sorta what I said-so I am glad to see I am not off the beaten track with my thoughts. Taking time to examine why we are really doing something is always a good way to check our motives. Some times the Lord doesn't want us to do something because it may not serve his purpose for that person. Thanks for reminding us all to be sure we are doing it for the right reason.