Seeds Planted

Café Menu for Thursday, July 5, 2012

Today’s Special is:   Comfort in Your Shade

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Dana Pittman

Main Ingredient: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Entrée:

A seed of an idea was planted in me many years ago. I’d like to share what God has done in my life with women like me…stifled, strained, living robotic lives. I’d like to share His freedom. It was merely a thought. Unbeknownst to me, this seed was growing.

Do you know what happens to a plant that outgrows its pot? The roots begin to push until they can find a way out. If there is no way out, the plant will stop growing. No matter how much you water and care for it.

What seeds have been planted in you? Do you want to start a ministry? Do you want to return to school? Do you want to serve on a mission’s trip? Do you want to sing in the church choir?

However, much like an outgrown plant, you too will need to be repotted if this seed has outgrown your current place in life. This tends to cause us to worry–to fret. To allow the how’s and why’s and when’s to keep us planted where we feel safe…and comfortable.

We remain in our comfort zone.

Dear sisters remaining in our comfort zones may cause us to cease to grow. The current scenery maybe nice but I came today to present a thought to you. Just one thought.

Who is waiting to find comfort in our shade?

You see, as the plant grows it can be repotted…and repotted…and repotted…then planted. It can be nourished and grown to its fullest potential. Even a tree.

Every transition, change, setback effects us, much like the repotting of the plant. But it is necessary to watch it grow and flourish to its greatest potential. Each point of transition reflects God’s hedge of protection around you. His love keeping you. His grace being more than sufficient.

Who is waiting to find comfort in your shade?

My sisters, our comforts from God position us to comfort others. And who knows, you may find many women in your life sitting quietly needing comfort from your shade.

Take Out:  Pray. Capture your prayers and God’s responses in a journal. Use this as your initial roadmap toward flourishing to your full potential in Christ.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” Psalm 32:8-10

Dessert: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for comforts provided through people, time, and circumstances. Lord please help us see the seeds You’ve planted in our lives. Help us to understand how we should use them to bring You glory. And help us to understand what we should do next. We pray you will continue to comfort us by relieving us of any anxiety, worry, or negative feelings that may arise with our newfound understanding. We give you honor, glory and praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

For more encouragement, visit Dana at her blog www.danapittman.com, where she writes to inspire, educate, and encourage women to LIVE.

© 2012 by Dana Pittman. All rights reserved.

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