As we’ve looked at serving in our Pastures we’ve talked about what it means when God gives us a pasture. We then discussed what it looks like to serve right where our two feet are planted – where we are on a daily basis – and where God takes us outside our four walls.
Now we are going to take it on a broader scale outside of our comfort zone.
In Acts 1:8 we read,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Every time I’ve heard someone give a message on this passage the focus has been on missions and where God calls us to serve and spread His Gospel.
- Jerusalem – the city we live in, local
- Judea – our region or the country we live in, states side missions
- Samaria – another country, international missions
I’m going to be very honest with you and tell you that although I have family and friends who have served as missionaries this passage as always made me uncomfortable. My immediate response has been to curl up into the security of my comfort zone and shy away from any mention of foreign missions.
But I’d like for us to look at this passage from a different angle. Instead of viewing it from the foreign missions perspective let’s discuss this perspective… the Pasture God has given us where he wants us to serve.
- Jerusalem – where our 2 feet are planted at home
- Judea – outside our immediate 4 walls
- Samaria – outside of our comfort zone
In that light I want to ask you some questions…
How is God calling you to step out of the comfort zone of your small, intimate pasture? How is He calling you to move beyond caring for the sheep you are comfortable around?
Are you settled into a routine at work that is repeated day after day with the same people doing the same thing so much so that you could do it with your eyes closed? You like that place but recently your boss asked you to take on a project that will push you into a new arena.
You’ve worked for the same company for decades. You and your family are comfortable where you work and live but you are becoming a little unsettled.
In both of these situations is God saying, “I have something/someplace else where I need you to serve.”?
You’ve enjoyed woodworking, painting, baking, gardening, decorating, singing for years as a way to relax and unwind. You’ve had people ask you if you take private commissions but the thought of moving beyond the personal, it’s just for me, to the unknown of doing it for someone has you nervous.
Here’s my question for you…
Could God be asking you to move out of that comfort zone so He can use you on a larger scale outside of your pasture?
You won’t know until you reach the point where you are able to take that step outside of your comfort zone. When you do, you allow God to use you in more ways than you can imagine.
As we wind up our series on serving in the Pasture God has given us, how has He worked in your life? Is there a specific area he is asking you to focus?
Are there areas of your home you need to be more intentional in your service? Are there ways you can love on your husband and children specifically?
How about those places or people outside of your four walls that you visit or see frequently? Are there kids or friends who could use a word of encouragement? Is there a way within your community where you can help someone grow deeper in their walk with Christ?
And finally is God asking you to step outside of your comfort zone so He can use you in a different area all together?
Spend sometime with Him this week and ask Him to show you where your pasture is and who is in your pasture. As you listen to where He wants you to serve make the commitment to say yes and follow Him.
In His Calm,
