Risking - getting out of our comfort zone

MP spoke at the end of his sermon about risking in the name of God. I missed last week's sermon, I could go listen. Perhaps I will.

I was excited by what I heard, and it might not be exactly what he said, because it confirms to me where my life has been going for a while. I do a lot of things these days with the idea of risking. MP mentioned being thought stupid. I do not have people openly telling me I am stupid, but I feel stupid sometimes.

I love walking into areas deemed dangerous by others. I find them not particularly so. That used to feel more like risking than it does now.

A lot of what I do is not directly glorifying God. But I do wish to do that more and more.

We do tend to create a life that seems manageable by me, God is not necessary. I think there are ways that I do put myself in positions where God must come through. Preaching at Brighton is one such place. I really do not have too much to give unless God comes through. I have a fear of getting up in front of that wonderful, if fairly small group, and blanking out. I used to get up with a full sermon all printed out that I could simply read. I do not do that anymore, partially from laziness but also partially because I want to leave room for God to come.

I do not mean to make it sound like I am patting myself on the back. I'd think God is pleased with me but it is like this is something God is urging me into. I cannot take all the credit. I desire to risk for God. God gives me the desire and the opportunity.

MP spoke of things that you know you are called to do but you cannot, dare not do. I still have some things like that. I want to do them and may someday. I have a strong urge to do them. They end up being put off for now. For several reasons, many not very good, I feel I cannot do them.

I am glad to see I am not the only one feeling some of these urges, these nudges. The world would be a better place if we do some of them. I am assuming these urges are coming from our desiring to help God, love the world, do good. I do not mean steal a car, rob a bank. I mean something that God will bless you for and you will end up feeling closer to God as a result. You will get to see God come through.

DW and I are planning to spend some weeks in the Holy Land next summer working on an archaeological dig. That risking, yep it is. We will get a date and place in the early months of 2011.