![\"IMAG1230\"](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/IMAG1230.jpg\")
<\/a>Me? Not so much. I never enjoyed playing it through my school days and if there was anything else to play, I would. I don\u2019t enjoy watching basketball. I don\u2019t understand the rules and regulations or the dynamics of playing basketball. It\u2019s just not where you would find me.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
So I laughed. But I told her I would gladly be there to help.<\/p>\n
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Turned out that I didn\u2019t have to evaluate how well the children played basketball. I fit them for their uniforms. Now that I can do.<\/p>\n
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I was reminded that God sometimes asks us to do something that we are uncertain of. Sometimes He asks us to go places that have never been on our radar before. Sometimes He asks us to move out of our comfort zone.<\/p>\n
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It may be He is urging you to speak to a neighbor. Or maybe lead a small group. Or give financially to your local church. Or sponsor a Compassion child. Or invite a lonely person to Thanksgiving dinner.<\/p>\n
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For some, these are easy. Perhaps they are already part of who you are and what you do.<\/p>\n
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I was one of those people. But then God took me to another level. He asked me to go to SE Asia on a service trip. Yes, He asked me to go from familiar territory to unfamiliar and within weeks I was praying through the streets of a city in SE Asia.<\/p>\n
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So here\u2019s the thing. If God calls us to it, He has a plan.<\/p>\n
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He will go before us<\/b><\/p>\n
When Joshua took the lead from Moses in Deuteronomy, Moses assured Joshua with these words. \u201cThe Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.\u201d<\/i> (Deuteronomy 31:8 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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Moses could not have given Joshua any more encouraging words than these. I\u2019m sure Joshua thought of Moses\u2019 message on many occasions as he led God\u2019s people into the Promised Land.<\/p>\n
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We can hold to these encouraging words as well. God will not send us where He has not already gone. Be assured that He has already checked it out and now it\u2019s your turn to make a move.<\/p>\n
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He will be with us<\/b><\/p>\n
You read this in the verse above, but Jesus spoke similar words in the Book of Matthew. \u201cTherefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 28:19-20 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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When we have the assurance of God\u2019s presence, we are able to move from our comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory.<\/p>\n
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He will prepare us<\/b><\/p>\n
You may not feel as if you fully prepared to make a move\u2026I would have never boarded the plane to SE Asia if I had to be fully prepared. It\u2019s not our preparing that He asks. It\u2019s His preparing that He desires for us. The change of heart. The moving of His Spirit. The giving up of ourselves to be used by Him. That\u2019s how He prepares us.<\/p>\n
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I love that God has given us His Scripture to help us with our preparation. We find these words in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) to help us understand this concept. \u201cAll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
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We must have the knowledge of what God wants for our lives by studying His Word. We can then be prepared to do His work.<\/p>\n
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He will do His work<\/b><\/p>\n
God will be at work within you, but we also see how He works in this world. In the Old Testament, God confused enemy armies, God led His people into the Promised Land, and God performed miraculous signs.<\/p>\n
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In the New Testament, God sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world. Through Jesus many have come to know God\u2019s grace. We find redemption through Jesus. This is God\u2019s greatest work. The redemption of mankind.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIn him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God\u2019s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.\u201d <\/i>(Ephesians 1:7-8 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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When we are willing to do as He asks, others will come to know how God works in our lives. Others will come to know Jesus as their Savior.<\/p>\n
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He will receive the glory<\/b><\/p>\n
As we go about God\u2019s work in this world and our neighborhoods, we must give Him the glory for everything. For whom we are and what we\u2019ve become. For what we do and why we do it. God must be glorified.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAnd whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.\u201d<\/i> (Colossians 3:17 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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When we follow God\u2019s lead into unfamiliar territory, we come to the understanding that we cannot do this on our own. We have realized that we are powerless and that we were only able to do this because of God\u2019s strength, guidance, and presence. A few verses come to mind.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI can do everything through him who gives me strength.\u201d<\/i> (Philippians 4:13 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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\u201cMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness\u2026For when I am weak, then I am strong.\u201d<\/i> (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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What is God asking you to do today? Where is He leading you? Have you accepted His invitation? His call? Please don\u2019t hesitate. Know that He is with you. He will lead and guide and help you along the way. Go ahead and say \u201cyes.\u201d Then sit back and watch what He has planned.<\/p>\n
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Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n
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Donna<\/p>\n
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