Love & Fear

Café Menu for Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Today’s Special is:   My Desires Are Yours

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Dana Pittman

Main Ingredient:  “I desire to do your will, O my God…” Psalm 40:8a

Entrée:  

Have you ever felt a slight tension in your chest, embedded in the outlining of your heart?   A burning, which holds your heart and the pit of your stomach captive, until the thought of breathing escapes you, only to find the sensation increasing, triggering your need for air?   I’m not referencing a real medical emergency, but something equally important. The feeling surfaces when you know, that you know that you know it’s time to change your life. That your life just can’t remain the same. That if you allow your circumstances to continue you will be utterly miserable.

What caused the feeling? Is it God honoring? Will it benefit others?

And why are you just thinking about it…and not doing it?

As you read this post I am readying to take a plunge, I’m heading to a conference to pursue growing in ministry.

Ministry…me?

Who would have ever thought I would desire such a thing? However, it was like I suddenly became uncomfortable in my own skin.  Not the type of discomfort brought about due to my physical presence. It was inside. My heart felt like it was literally breaking.  Then someone shared a life-changing thought, and I’ll paraphrase: Where you see a need is probably an indicator of where you need to serve.

My response, “Oh no, I’ll volunteer in the background.”

However, the ache only increased. That fire made me so uncomfortable and I knew I had to step away from the norm and follow what the Spirit placed within me.

I’ve rambled much longer than I expected so I will leave you all with this.

Don’t ignore that burning feeling.

Do not allow yourself to live a life full of “what ifs” and “I wish I hads”. And if that doesn’t motivate you consider…Who is waiting to take comfort in your shade?

“There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love
banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life
 - fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet
fully formed in love.”

1 John 4:18 MSG

Your work and life is needed when it’s about our Father’s business. My friends, I don’t know what’s ahead but of this I am certain I am loved. My plan is to jump in faith knowing God’s love will catch me.

Will you join me?

Take Out:  What causes your heart to jump? What gift(s) do you possess that can better the lives of the people around you? Write it down. And if you can’t answer these questions, ask someone who knows you well to help. You must ask yourself the tough questions so you can live about Your Father’s business.

Dessert: Father, Your love is beyond our comprehension and Your plans for our lives exceed our wildest expectations. Father, help us to walk in a way that gives You both honor and glory. Help us to walk boldly in the work You appointed to us before our first cry. Focus our intention and the desires of our heart so that Your desires become ours. Father we pray all Your plans for our life are realized. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For more encouragement, visit Dana at her blog http://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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