Move Outside of Yourself

Why should we move outside of ourselves? I can tell you right now that it isn't comfortable most of the time. Keep reading though. Moving outside of yourself is more about moving out of your own way so that God can have control over your life. Giving up control? I know, I know. Not such a thrilling idea to the majority of us. But consider this: We never really have had control anyway. We do things that we shouldn't and God saves us from ourselves. We deny Him and sin against Him, and yet he loves us enough to take us back. So why should we keep pushing Him away, literally telling Him that even though He is God, He is not powerful enough to control my life.

So what does moving outside of yourself look like? It takes different forms, but there are some characteristics that will always be present. Taking care of yourself and others, but never yourself at the expense of others. Open generosity to those who are in need, regardless of your own personal circumstances. A willingness to do what God has called them to, regardless of their abilities. 

What makes me an authority on this subject? I'm not. But I am willing to do as God asks, even when it comes to things that I have repeatedly said I will NEVER do. Here is my short list:

- I will never teach high school students (I just finished my second week of teaching HS)

- I will never get involved in ministry (The Asylum, Celebrate Recovery, Sunday School - should I keep going?)

- I will never be a ministry leader (again, The Asylum, Celebrate Recovery)

- I will never start a ministry (I was on the planning committee & launch team for Avenue Family Center/ Avenue Church of the Nazarene)

- I will never pray in public (My husband is one of the organizers of a nightly prayer ministry sponsored by The Asylum - and I am an active member in the 9pm session)

Are you seeing a trend here? I tell God that I will never ... and He laughs and leads me to it. I told God that I would never work with teenagers - and now I am sensing that He is leading me to start a weekend retreat for teenage girls. But in order for this new ministry to even have a hope of success, first I must step out of the way and let God retain control of His ministry and my life.