Doing the things that don't come natural!!

This is a picture of my daughter (the one in the middle) stepping out of her comfort zone and performing with Nashville's Street Theatre.  She did a great job and since that moment she knew that she was meant for something great and that the sky is the limit!!

Today I had to do something very hard.  I had to tell a friend that I couldn't help with a project. (Even though I told her I would)  I really, really wanted to help, but when I prayed about it , it was a "no".  That was hard.  I usually would have done it any way.  Is it more harmful than helpful to participate in something God is not calling you to do?  I think it's important to have an unified vision when we agree to participate in something.  I feel the same way with church.  Now that I'm back in my hometown, I've been looking for a church.  Part of my search has been meeting with local pastors to ask questions about their ministry.  How can you support something if you don't know the vision or if you don't line up with the vision??   I don't know the answer to that, all I know is that I can't do it. I have a "do-er" personality so naturally I do most things are asked or I volunteered to do.  God is pushing me out of my comfort zone.  I have recently had to do a lot of things that don't come natural to me.  I feel that more things are coming down the line as I work on God being the Lord of my life ( in every area).  I know that my priorities are beginning to change, my friendships are looking different, my attitude is changing, I am being chiseled into what God has called me to be. SIDEBAR- this is NOT to be confused with religious-ness  or with being bound by tradition.  This has more to do with allowing God to renew my heart.  It has everything to do with being his reflection of me.  With that in mind, things change and we change.  Mostly, this is causing me to have more compassion and this is strengthening my love walk.  This is causing me to pray more, and share the love of God more.  This is making me see the world through God's eyes.  I know that I stand in need of him every day!! I truly don't know how people make it without him. 

To sum it up- don't be afraid to allow God to push you out of your comfort zone.  Know that his intent is not to hurt you, but to make you a better person.