Oct. 2, 2008 - Thankful Thursday - The Convenient Zone
This will be a very short post today. I just received word this morning that AOL is going to quit hosting free websites for their members. This means my entire website, filled with devotions, is going down. (Picture a panic-stricken face here.) After praying about what to do, the Lord has led me to move all of my devotions here. I have a LOT of work to do on this endeavor before they shut down all free websites, thus the reason I'm not listing several things for which I am thankful. What I am thankful for is that this didn't catch the Lord by surprise, and He is more than able to help me accomplish what needs to be done to get all of my material transferred over before the deadline.
The Convenient Zone
A lady taught me that in American Sign Language, the sign for “comfort” is the same sign used for the word “convenient.” We often hear people talk about stepping out of their comfort zone, but I want to take a look at stepping out of our “convenient” zone.
Ministry to others will often take us out of our convenient zone. Jesus gives us several examples. One day, Jairus was hurriedly taking Jesus to his home to minister to his daughter who was dying. On the way, a woman with an issue of blood approached Jesus and touched Him. In the eyes of Jairus, this was not a convenient time for Jesus to stop and talk to anyone. After all, his daughter was dying! Yet Jesus took the time to minister to this woman, letting her know that she was made whole. Jesus was never concerned with what was convenient. He was concerned with doing what was right. (Luke 8:40-48)
Many times when Jesus would try to enjoy fellowship with His friends, the people would seek Him. Even though He was trying to relax, He would set aside convenience in order to heal the sick. (Matthew 8:14-17)
While trying to sleep one night, His disciples woke Him, terrified that they were going to drown. In spite of the inconvenience, Jesus got up and rebuked the winds and waves. (Matthew 8:23-27)
When He arrived in the region of the Gadarenes, Jesus was approached by two demon-possessed men who were very violent. There is never a convenient time to have to deal with people who have gone mad, yet Jesus took time for them. (Matthew 8:28-34)
When Jesus went to heal a paralytic, He faced persecution from the religious leaders. (Matthew 9:1-8) Having faced much persecution from people, even in the body of Christ, I can attest that there is never a convenient time to deal with these kinds of issues.
How many times have you tried to withdraw to a solitary place, only to have someone call for you? Jesus knows how that is. (Matthew 14:13-14) In spite of the need to pull away, Jesus set aside convenience once again, in order to bring healing to the people.
We will have many opportunities to minister to others. Often, it will not be at the most convenient time. Yet, if we choose to be compassionate like Jesus, we may find that God uses us to bring healing to them. We just need to get out of our “convenient” zone.
© 2007, Stacy R. Miller
Comments
Oct. 1, 2008 - New Website
Posted by Anonymous
Congratulations on your new website! I prayed you would find a solution. God is good! He provided because He knows you are touching many with your inspirational devotionals.
Blessings,
Calina
www.love2-bhome.blogspot.com
Oct. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by http://shortybearsplace.blogspot.com/
I will be praying for your new website.
Oct. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I pray I will be ready each and every time HE gives me someone to minister to. Thanks for a great post. Happy Thankful Thursday! - Cheryl
Oct. 1, 2008 - praying...
Posted by janet
praying that there's a solution to your devotional blog. it's always nice to come across devotional blogs.
janet @ http://www.peterjanet.com
Oct. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Ohhhh friend, you do have some work to do. Praying with faith you get it accomplished.!
Cheryl
Oct. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Lynn
Stacey,
Girl, I am so sorry you have to go through this. I may have to do this too one day. Yikes.
Let us know when you arrive at your new home. Happy TT.
Oct. 2, 2008 - Thankful Thursday/Devotion
Posted by Iris
I am glad that you have found another free site where you will be able to share your devotions. I hope that the move will go smoothly...
You are right - sometimes being available to others is not convenient.
Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us this week.
Be blessed today and always...
Oct. 2, 2008 - thanks
Posted by Erica
Oh, bless your heart. I pray you get it all moved. That would make me so sad, but I am so glad you found out before it happened! I loved your post about comfort/convenience.
Oct. 2, 2008 - Bless you!
Posted by Anonymous
I know that moving an established web site can be as harrying a task as moving a home so I wish you the best!
I very much like your site so I'll be coming back!
Willow
http://www.ajourneyinfaith.com
Oct. 2, 2008 - Thankful Thursday
Posted by Anonymous
I can't even imagine having to move my site! I think I just cry!
Thank you for your devotional about being available.
Have a blessed week.
Marsha
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com
Oct. 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by genny
You have a nice ministry and being a missionary is a blessing to others. May God bless you...
Oct. 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Michele
I'm sorry you have to move everything. There is a reason for everything. I'm sure the new site will just as great as this one. Blessings
