[Discoveries] 04-28-07 Beyond our comfort zone

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*[Moses] asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your 
servant? ..." -- Numbers 11:11*/

If God cares so much about our comfort, why does He take us out of our 
comfort zone?

I smile as I write this because I think we all know the answer. We don't 
grow until we're stretched. No risk means no reward. Adventure is 
nine-tenths turmoil, and, only at the end, do we taste the sweet 
victory. If I never went on my first date, I wouldn't be happily married 
with four children that I love. (If I ever work up the courage, maybe 
I'll write a devotional about that first date.)

I've been pulled out of my comfort zone in so many different ways -- my 
life has been jarred by rape, bankruptcy, homelessness, abuse, business 
failure and the list goes on. But, you know, looking back, I wouldn't 
trade it. I haven't liked going through these trials, but now more than 
ever before, I have the prize. I have the comforting closeness of God's 
Spirit with me every day.

I used to think that I was really smart, and because I was smart I had 
something to offer the church. Now I see that what I have to offer is 
not some gift of intelligence, but rather a far greater gift -- the gift 
of Jesus Who was poured into the broken, hurting places of my life.

I say it every day, but let me say it again: Be encouraged! God is for 
you. He hasn't given up on you. He knows what you are going through. And 
He has something very sweet and special in store for you that will cause 
you to look back at all your trials and laugh the laugh of victory.

Be encouraged!
Dwight


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