Stepping out of our comfort zone

[Cello]

Do you, have you, will you?

[Pilgrim]

Do you, have you, will you?
I choose not to reply on the grounds that it makes me feel like we will be bragging about our faith which seems to sort of defeat the reason we might step out of the comfort zone.

I'll simply say that I intend to follow God where God leads to the best of my ability and with God's help.

[Solly]

I'll say yes on the grounds that it might encourage others. I could have kept on preaching where I was, doing the same thing week in week out, playing it safe until I was old and grey, but instead, as I increasingly felt the Lord leading me, I jumped ship to a church on a working class housing estate seeking to minister to that estate. No regrets, even though I lost out financially.

[Cello]

I choose not to reply on the grounds that it makes me feel like we will be bragging about our faith which seems to sort of defeat the reason we might step out of the comfort zone.

I'll simply say that I intend to follow God where God leads to the best of my ability and with God's help.
If it makes you feel that way, its good you see that temptation to sin in your heart and can check it at the door.....removing your access to it. Kudos for you!

[Cello]

I'll say yes on the grounds that it might encourage others. I could have kept on preaching where I was, doing the same thing week in week out, playing it safe until I was old and grey, but instead, as I increasingly felt the Lord leading me, I jumped ship to a church on a working class housing estate seeking to minister to that estate. No regrets, even though I lost out financially.Amen! And thanks for being an encourager! I think part of the 'responsibility' of the body is to share our experiences and 'brag' on GOD and the power in our life to overcome fears, doubts, hesitations to step out in faith. Its not about bragging on ones own self...though I know that can be a stumbling block for some people and I respect their knowledge of any limitations they may need to impose on themselves in that area. I applaud the honesty. That is a sharing in and of itself too which might encourage us all as well. :))

[Pilgrim]

Hey Cello, can I just say that I appreciate your ability to be positive to everyone. You really did that nicely with both me and Solly even though we said really different things and it's good to see that sort of thoughfulness

[Cello]

Hey Cello, can I just say that I appreciate your ability to be positive to everyone. You really did that nicely with both me and Solly even though we said really different things and it's good to see that sort of thoughfulness
Thanks. I try.....I mean, I do think we should be encouragers so I try to be and I know that not everyone approaches a subject the same way or that it hits them the same way -- ya know? I really do appreciate forums like this where people can come and are willing to open up, even though we may have different thoughts, ideas, interpretations. Sometimes I can be tempted to run a thread the way I see it and need to remind myself to listen to what others say, I think that is resulting in me being more encouraging. One thing I have found over the past year or so is that I am feeling more freedom to 'accept' where others are and what they are thinking and to explore more where they are coming from becuse I've been really convicted that God's in charge and I dont' have to defend or convict or be 'the law' -- I just share and am enjoying the freedom to love. (not that I am always good at it......)

but anyway - enough ramble. :blush:

[One Bad Pig]

I'm enough of an introvert that I almost consider entering a debate here stepping out of my comfort zone. Joining the Navy was a big step, as was getting out.

[Teallaura]

Hi!
You know, OBP brings out a good point - how big our comfort zone is can dictate how often we step out of it. Some people are just 'people people' - no social situation is awkward or too uncomfortable for them. Myself, people are work - always will be - just to do the most basic social stuff is an effort - worth it, but an effort.
Before we can lead anyone to Christ or help them with their problems we have to develop that relationship. A naturally outgoing person may not be going outside their comfort zone as they start that process whereas we introverts step out just walking in a store. In either case, what I think we need to look at is not only how far out of our zone we are, but what we hope to accomplish by going out there? Is it 'growth' or trying to connect with people or...?
Well, I rambled enough (and I've completely lost my train of thought - hate when that happens!). I go out of mine everyday - can't be helped. My hope is that I'm going where He's sending.
Later!