The Comfort Boat

Have you ever felt asked to move from your comfort zone?

A place that you feel is safe.

Have you ever felt your heart move in such a way 

that you knew it was time to take that step?

But you really are comfortable were you are.

You aren't stretched.

I have been asked many times to move from that sweet zone.

This zone that has few heart aches, few tears, few restless nights...

This zone with little growth.

This zone is like a safe boat.  Rocking you gently.

And then

The Lord says, "You need to grow a little more"

Your stomach starts to feel tight because you know to grow you must 

get out of the boat.

You must have faith, you must walk in the Spirit, you must hold tight the 

hand of God so you will not sink as you walk out on those waves.

You must keep your focus...your eyes on Him.

Just as Peter did when he was with Jesus.

Matthew 14:29-30

"...But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he

begins to sink.  Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out

his hand and catches Peter..."

So, with faith and some bravery, you grab hold and step out of that

comfort zone into this other zone.

A zone that stretches you...one that sometimes feel like you are 

at war.

One that brings you to your knees to cry out, 

"DEAR GOD I NEED YOU!"

And brings you to your knees to sob and say nothing.

This zone is a roller coaster.

It has highs and lows.

This zone...must be fed.

It's food?

The Holy word!

Prayer!

If this zone isn't fed it will starve and eat you.

Sometimes...this zone nibbles a bit on you anyways.

Sometimes there are BIG jumps out of your comfort zone.

Sometimes just small ones.

I learned that we all need a time to reflect...during and after.

Many times what we think is the reason we will be

moving from our comfort zone is not the reason at all.

God's got his own plans:)

He has shaped me into someone I didn't see 5 years ago.

I'm still "me".

BUT

How I handle things, receive things, and focus on life...

those things are different.

Sometimes I don't understand people and their silly drama.

Then I think....

maybe they haven't gotten out of the boat and I try to give

them time.

A lot of people need forgiveness.  Many times I try to do just that.

I might not forget and maybe I need to work on that...but I am able 

to move forward.

Everyone needs grace!

Everyone messes up once and awhile.

It really depends on whats going on in the heart to me then ANYTHING else!

Progression means: A movement or development toward a destination or a 

more advanced state, esp. gradually or in stages.

Progression.

It's what I look for in so many things.

In life you might not always see success but if you see progression

then success is somewhere down the road.

Working to a goal.

In School-sports-in Spirit-

In Family and in friendships.

With those you work with and those you live around.

Why live a life in a stand still?

Why ignore old friendships, co-workers, extended family because

of a hard situation?

Progression.

It doesn't mean leaps and bonds...all at once.

It's gradual.

The Past is the past.

UNWIND:

Read the below picture and take to heart.

Sometimes...letting go and wishing well is all you can do.

Let your heart be cleaned with forgiveness before letting go.

Be encouraged that you will be filled to the brim with the Spirit of God 

when holding His hand and stepping out  of that boat.