STEPPING OUTSIDE MY PERSONAL COMFORT ZONE!

Image result for cLIP ART SHOWING COMFORT ZONE  Gideon has been so very comfortable hiding in the caves from the Midianite hoards.He has even resorted to threshing his wheat in a wine vat so his grain would not be taken.  He gets a surprise visit, not from the Midianites, but the LORD.  He has given Gideon a task, a challenge that is certainly beyond his own ability.  He is going to be sent to deliver Israel from Midian.  The LORD gives Gideon the promise, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man."  Judges 6:9. Gideon reminds me somewhat of Moses when God gave him his assignment to deliver Israel from the Egyptians.  Moses also offers up his excuses why he is NOT the man for the assignment. 

Gideon now moves to try to negotiate with the LORD.  Remember, Gideon may have been an idol worshiper with his family.  He may not have been taught or has heard the stories of God's wonders and miracles in delivering Israel from Egypt. This is before the Holy Spirit is given to indwell man permanently.  He has no Bible to instruct him!  He asks of the LORD to show him a sign that it is the Lord speaking to him.  He is told by the LORD to prepare a kid and unleavened bread and to place them on a nearby rock.  Gideon puts the objects on the rock.  The LORD uses the end of the staff that He has in his hand and touches the meat and the unleavened bread.  Fire "springs" up from the rock and "consumes the meat and the bread.  The LORD then vanishes from Gideon's sight.  The action dawns on Gideon that he has been visited by the LORD in a very close encounter and he is still living!  The LORD quietens him with the words, "Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die." Gideon builds an altar to the LORD and names it THE LORD IS PEACE.  

Comfort Zones can be relaxing and safe places when the body and mind are weary and need rest.  However to "hunker" down in the zone as a permanent resting place can be spiritually unhealthy for the Christ follower. It can become the place that all of the fears and insecurities gather to promote the negative, "No thank you, LORD." It can become an excuse, a rut, or a stronghold for the "not me LORD" response when the LORD gives an assignment. Am I willing to take the risk/assignment that the LORD has for me?  "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed..." 2 Corinthians 9:8  The reason why we have all sufficiency to do what has been assigned us is the work of the EMPOWERING HOLY SPIRIT who indwells us as Christ followers.  Shall I trust my flesh to accomplish or will I trust the All Powerful Spirit of God who indwells me to accomplish?  I encourage you: Step out of your spiritual rut!  #IHAVETHREESONS

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