Skip to main content

Do a Little Something Different

Last week our family began to join Julie for her 5:30 am workouts. We have committed to do a 5K together. So, we are doing one of those couch to 5K programs. I absolutely hate running. I know my athletic physique may be state otherwise. However, I do like the way I feel after I workout. 

Anyway, today was the start of school for the kids. Even with this they wanted to workout. We decided to help us all get ready for school and work. We'd shower at the YMCA. So, we packed bags with all of our needed supplies. Turns out I forgot a few items. Nothing major, but just enough to throw me out of rhythm. With the new routine, I was seeking the comfort of having what I needed. I wanted to have all of the tools to get the job done. Yet, I didn't have them. 

I thought about how this resembles life. God often calls us into something new. Maybe it is a new service opportunity at church or new LifeGroup. Or maybe it is something larger like responding to a calling to the mission field.  

The threat of being pushed out of our comfort zone is enough for many of us to pass on the opportunity. We quickly think of the things we don't have. You may feel the call to serve in children's ministry, but doubts of your ability to connect with kids fill your head. At the thought of joining a lifegroup you consider that you don't have a very outgoing personality. What we don't have gets in the way of what we do. 

In the end, it all worked out just fine. After the Y we had to head home to get school supplies and divide to deliver kids to the right schools before heading to work. Of course, everything I needed to finish getting ready was at home, right where I forgot it. 

Our God is a God of provision.  
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 NIV. 

He tells us not to worry but to trust in Him. 
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ -Matthew 6:31 NIV

God has plans for us and will take care of us.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.- Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

So, when something new presents itself, courageously engage in it. All those things you don't think you have, God will provide.

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt


 





Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Anchor House Week 4: Strawberries

This week I had the chance to come through on a promise I made to one of our regular ships. When they were in port last we were hanging out in the break room with the crew. Somehow we got on the subject of strawberries, Florida strawberries of course. I made the bold statement that Florida strawberries were the best. Trish followed up by clarifying that Plant City’s are the best. She had a point that is hard to argue with. In the discussion, I told the seafarer that I would bring them some strawberries next time they were at Port Manatee. Sure enough the next time they were in port I ran to Detweillers, first thing in the morning, and picked up a half of a flat of some of the most beautiful strawberries you've ever seen. They were big, red, perfectly placed in the container in a neat and orderly fashion. They looked magnificent. As we approached the ship, the seafarer whom I had made the promise to waved and said, “You remembered!” After we boarded the ship, we t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Anchor House: Week 6 Buried Treasure

When I started at Anchor House I committed to write at least one blog per week. Writing is something I enjoy and a way I get to interact with God. I can recall wanting to write about Anchor House in the days before I started, but my knowledge was limited..  To be honest I felt like I knew three things before I joined Anchor House. First,  Anchor House was a mission at Port Manatee (the Seaport, not the jail) Second, I knew it was a mission that my church, Westside Christian Church, supported with our Show Love funds.  Third, I knew God was calling me to serve Him there. However, what happened at Anchor House day to day was something of a mystery to me.   After being here for a few weeks I have learned quite a bit. I know where to look to find out when ships are coming in or departing.  I have learned that I am just tall enough to hit my head where most seafarers don’t. I have learned that flexibility is the key to serving at a seaport. One of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bold Like Stephen

I've always admired people who aren't afraid to be bold in their convictions.  It is the kind of boldness that allows them to stand out in the crowd. There is just something different about how these people view and engage the world around them.  The movie “Hacksaw Ridge” portrays a man that exemplifies what I mean by bold.  He was drafted to serve in World War II but refused to bear arms because of religious reasons. Yet, he still managed to receive the Congressional Medal of honor. Without a weapon in his hand, he saved 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite his objection to violence, he still served his country. Despite his objection to war he found a way to love his neighbor. He was bold.  When I think of bold in the Bible, I think of Stephen. Acts 6:8 says, "Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people." Stephen faced opposition to his teachings. Those that opposed his teachings couldn't ...
Post a Comment
Read more