Have you ever felt so broken, so out of place, that you had to depend on God? We’ve probably all had those instances in our lives when we’ve felt so broken, depressed or scared that we didn’t think we could go on. We always thought that we could do things ourselves. But, there comes a time when we have to bow to God’s greatness and his mercy to pull us up out of the muck and mire we find ourselves in.
Stay with me, okay? I love Sundays. Stepping foot into the church before anyone else is there, in the stillness, the darkness, I meet God there. I come in anticipation of a message that I know is going to have meaning in my life. This morning was no exception.
My church family are some of the most kind-hearted people I’ve ever met. From the stage where I play in our praise band, I can look out at their faces and see love. I know they are a congregation with a wide variety of backgrounds. We love each one of them. It doesn’t matter from where they came or what their story is.
The sermon this morning was based on Matt 2. You’ve heard the story of the Magi who followed the star to see the baby who was to be the king of the Jews. Herod telling them to return and tell him where the baby was so he could go and worship him. After being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they went back to their country by a different way. Herod had no intention of worshiping the baby. He wanted to kill the baby. He was an evil king who didn’t want to have any other ruler in opposition to him.
Now Joseph was a man who found himself in a tough position through no doing of his own. His betrothed was carrying God’s child, the Savior, who was to be named Jesus. He could have bolted, but when approached by an angel of God explaining the situation to him, listened to his instructions, took her as his wife, and fled to Egypt to take the baby to safety.
Have you ever been forced out of your comfort zone? Felt that God was laying something on your heart that you didn’t feel prepared for? Just as God used the early years of Jesus’ life to prepare him for the task that lie ahead, he prepares us for the path before us. Sometimes, it seems that we have to hit bottom before we wake up to what he’s trying to tell us, teach us. Maybe you haven’t realized it yet.
God will stretch your boundaries to the point that you are pushed out of your comfort zone and you have no choice but to lean on him. He wants you to see the world through His eyes, with His perspective. He wants to lead you to a new level of giftedness. He moves you out of your comfort zone to protect, promote, propel you into the path he has prepared for you. But, first he has to equip you. He knows what you need. His path is always the best path even if it’s not the easiest path. And where he takes you may not be where he wants you to stay. It may be for just a season. He wants you to depend on Him. Quit trying to do it yourself.
When I think about the year 2019, I think about the changes I’ve been through and how many times I was pushed out of my comfort zone. But God has been faithful to provide the skills I’ve needed. I’m no musician. At least I didn’t used to be. God has molded me into what He wanted me be to fulfill the path that He’s prepared for me. And I don’t think he’s done yet. He’s not done with you, either.
Learn to hear God’s voice so that He can lead you to the place you are meant to be. Our pastor, Jon, says that we can all depend on one thing for sure in 2020. Be prepared to be pushed out of your comfort zone. When you’re frustrated and you don’t understand, you can yell at Him, ask Him questions about what He wants. God loves us and he will protect us when we lean on Him. Be ready to give Him 100% of you. When you’re out of your comfort zone you are forced to depend on Him. You give God 100% of yourself for him to be able to take you to the fullness of what he’s got for you.
It was another Sunday of a message that seemed like it was made for me. It’s funny when I hear others say the exact same thing. But, I think God works through others to tell us what he wants us to hear. What’s he saying to you?
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 