Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable is a Deeper Waters post, kind of like a mini-Bible Study and I know it will really challenge your faith and inspire you to trust God with more of your life. I really encourage you to download and use a Soul H2O Journal Page to help you get the most out of this post and draw from the MANY Scripture references in the Drawing From The Well section at the bottom.

Soul H2O Deeper Waters

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Last weekend Todd and I both spoke at a Pechakucha Night put on by his amazing friend, Andy Vasily.

If you’ve never heard of Pechakucha, it’s a gathering of friends designed by renowned architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham where presenters share a 6 minute, 40 speech with 20 slides that change automatically every 20 seconds.

Let me just say, It’s a challenge. Even though I love presenting and even get paid for speaking, I saw this as a challenge. Believe it or not, speaking longer is actually easier than speaking for such a short time, trying to memorize so your words match the image on the screen was a challenge for me, especially when I was a month past due for my B12 shot!

Both Todd and I had an incredible time at the event and heard some amazing speeches. We both got a little lost in our slides at times (like many people did), but at the end felt better for the experience and know we could improve next time.

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a good thing and, if you want to follow God, you’ve got to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Taking a look how Jesus discipled his followers should be our big tip-off to reveal this about Christ’s character. Take the disciples’ experience in Matthew 14 for example.

From Feeding To Floating To Sinking—Then Walking on Water

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dispersed the crowds.
Matthew 14:22-33 ESV

Peter and the boys had been helping Jesus run a missional event where they got to take part in the miraculous feeding of 5000 people! Even before the crowd was gone, Jesus directed the disciples to get to the other side, making them go by way of the water, in a boat. Soon after, the wind and waves began to batter the boat and they feared for their lives.

Now before you start that Oh, Jesus wouldn’t have been so pushy and made them go into a potentially life-threatening circumstance, let me help you understand the original wording of this verse in Greek. Anagkazó is what many many Bible versions translate as “made, insisted, compelled, constrained, or directed” could just as easily been translated as “forced” since Strong’s Concordance and other Bible Dictionaries say the word means “to force, compel, constrain, urge”.

Jesus didn’t come to make you comfortable; He came to make you a brave witness.

Jesus isn’t concerned with your comfort level and is completely comfortable, making you uncomfortable.

Once Jesus led them to a place where their faith could be tested, this is the place where Peter’s faith rose to the level of confidence in God’s strength where he was able to walk on water. Ya, he did allow fear to creep back in and started to sink again but this faith-building exercise is what I believe God used to help construct a foundation of faith in Peter that would one-day grow so strong that he pushed through and preached, leading thousands upon thousands to faith in Christ.

Jesus Is Totally Fine With You Feeling Uncomfortable

The reality is, if you don’t get stretched, you don’t grow. When God allows your circumstances to push you beyond your natural limits, that’s when His ‘super’natural kicks into gear. You can trust you have what it takes to pass through these troubled waters, just like the disciples did because God clearly believes you can!

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

You don’t have to walk in your own strength, God’s offering His to you each day. Be like Peter, step out of the boat and get comfortable being uncomfortable, the water’s just fine!

Prayer

Father… Thank you for all the examples in the Bible of flawed people, just like me, overcoming difficulties and reaching their destiny. Help me to get get comfortable being uncomfortable, so I don’t miss out on watching your strength displayed in my life, leading others to put their faith in you when times get tough.
In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help fill up your well.

This post has a deep well and I hope you’ll keep drawing up the refreshing until you’re OVERflowing!

1. Matthew 14:22-33
2. Acts 10:34
3. Joshua 1:9
4. Job 1:6-12
5. Exodus 13:17-18
6. Deuteronomy 1:7
7. 2 Timothy 1:7
8. John 15:16
9. Proverbs 3:5-6
10. Philippians 4:13
11. Jeremiah 29:11
12. James 1:22
13. Mark 16:15
14. Isaiah 42:16
15. Matthew 16:24
16. Deuteronomy 33:25

Soul H2O Resources

http://www.soulh2o.com/28

Seasons Of Growth In Adversity | EP #28

Seasons of Growth In Adversity features a powerful teaching and three interviews with my hubby Todd, daughter Shelby and mentor Peggy Kennedy, sharing about their seasons of growth.

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#musicpic

This week I’m gonna suggest two songs out of my normal contemporary music style but both hit home the message and I’m a bit eclectic at times!

#musicpic SONG #1 (Gospel Flava)Comfort Zone by Marvin Sapp YouTube Video | Spotify Link

#musicpic SONG #2 (An Oldie) Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns YouTube Video | Spotify Link

Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

Where it all began

Want to read the first Soul H2O Devotion?
Repeats (Do Not Worry)

https://www.sherrystahl.com/repeats/

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

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WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

The Fight For Peace Of Mind

This week Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held all over Canada as our American friends honor Veteran’s Day. We live in some of the most peaceful places on the planet, but it didn’t just happen. Soldiers had to fight for us to experience the freedom that brings peace, much like you have to fight for peace of mind.

Soul H2O Devotion

The Fight For Peace Of Mind

A peaceful mind doesn’t just mysteriously happen, it will only be attained if you fight for it. Thankfully this conflict isn’t fought on the battlefield of combat but combatted in the battlefield of your mind.

I really think Philippians 4:6-8 is a great template for learning how to conquer in the battle for a peaceful mind, so let me remind you of what Paul said in Philippians 4:6-8.

Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

If you want peace in your life, you have to fight for peace in your mind first, before you deal with your problems.

The first way to peace in your mind is to not worry about anything

I bet you’re thinking, Seriously??? How can I do that? It’s unrealistic…If Paul was in my shoes, he’d worry…

I just wonder, if it make any difference when I tell you that Paul was in prison when he wrote these verses? If you compare all of Paul’s writings, I think you’ll see how the book of Philippians, over the others, exudes joy, and he wrote it from a place of wrongful imprisonment.

So, how do you not worry about anything???

Follow the second way to peace in your mind – pray about everything!

Turn fear into faith by disciplining your mind to pray, every time you worry.

When you start to feel afraid your kids are going to get hurt riding their bikes, driving the car or dating that guy…Pray… Lord, I thank you for protecting my children.

When you’re afraid of losing your job… Pray… Lord I thank you that this company is not my provider, You are. I look forward to seeing how you’ll provide for my needs.

If you’re afraid of your marriage falling apart… Pray… Lord I bring my marriage to You right now. Fill us with a deep love for each other that will stand the tests of time.

Turn fear and anxiety into catalysts for prayer.

My theory is that the devil will clue in and realize he’s bringing on good things by causing you to fear and eventually he’ll give up… maybe??? Ya, as if!

The third and last way to peace in your mind is to think on good things

And what is gooder than God? Nothing.

Put some worship music on, throw your hands up in the air and begin praising God. It won’t be long until your burdens are lifted, anxiety alleviated, and your heart healed. Then you’ll be in your right mind to deal with your problems.

Does God’s peace make sense?

Not at all, it transcends Understanding and goes beyond human understanding

• Don’t worry about anything
• Pray about everything
• Focus Your Thoughts on God.

Then, tackle your problems.

Rinse and Repeat.

The fight for peace of mind is just that simple.

Prayer

Father… Thank you for giving me the mind of Christ with the ability to control my thoughts. I’m so grateful you provided a plan for peace of mind in your word. Please help me to not be anxious, pray more and think on Your goodness to keep the peace. In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help fill up your well.

1. Philippians 4:6-8
2. Isaiah 26:3
3. John 16:33
4. John 14:27

Soul H2O Resources

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Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

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#musicpic

#musicpic SONG:
Peace Be Still by Hope Darst
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsIpGiz3SfQ

Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

The Peace Project | EP #86

In Fight For Peace, Kay Wyma is back again, talking about her latest book, The Peace Project and how you can experience true peace on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast show.

You can find today’s Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/86

Splash Online Event

Snakes & Ladders – Sometimes You’re Up, Sometimes You’re Down from the ‘Child-Like Faith’ Series is our November Online Splash event hosted by Sherry Stahl and the #SoulH2O Team.

Join us in the Soul H₂O Splash Facebook Group or sign up for Splash emails in the group and see us on Zoom.

Devotions Related to Peace of Mind

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

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WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

Does God Care About Your Sex Life?

In today’s Soul H2O Deeper Waters post, I dared to delve into the question, Does God Care About Your Sex Life? A hot topic in a sex-charged society and you might be surprised by what the Bible has to say.

Normally, I send out short devotions, but sometimes I just have more to say about a topic and they might not follow the Soul H2O Devotions format. I will share these posts as Soul H2O Deeper Waters readings and hope they help you to dive in deep to God’s Word!

Downloadable Soul H2O Journal Pages help you dive deeper into God’s Word with the teaching segment, devotions or Deeper Waters posts. You can find them HERE.

Does God Care About Your Sex Life?

February is deemed the month of love. Last week we celebrated Galentine’s Day on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show, In The Soul H2O Splash and on the Soul H2O Blog. I encouraged you to share some love with your Gal Pals.

This week, many of us are still celebrating since much of Canada and parts of the US was in lockdown on Valentine’s Day. You’re finally allowed to have that romantic dinner out. But what does romance and Christianity have to do with each other? I mean, Does God Care About Your Sexuality?

Before you dismiss this question and hope that I’ll move on from it, think about God’s dialogue with Adam and Eve in the garden, soon after the fall.

The Trick

In Genesis 3 we read how Satan tricked Adam and Eve into disobeying the one rule God gave them.

Satan told them that the immediate reaction to eating the forbidden fruit would be a freedom from death and to be like God… which they already were, and to know the difference between good and evil, making them believe they would become better; but since Satan is a liar, Adam and Eve’s experience didn’t go as advertised to them.

The Effects of The Fall

Scripture shows us how Adam and Eve were left struggling with guilt over their choice to rebel against God’s direction. For the first time, human beings felt shame. This crippling emotion triggered that fight, flight or freeze response in Adam and Eve to run away and hide from God in the forest.

Shame caused them to want to hide their bodies. Genesis records that shame over their nakedness was an, immediate response to sin. In this effort to right their wrong in some way, “they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. (GN 3:7)

The Reckless Love of God

I want you to pay close attention to God’s response to their answer when, true to His character, He searches them out. God calls out, “hā-’ā-ḏām”, the term he used for both Adam and Eve until Adam gave his wife a separate name after their fall. In Genesis 3:20 Adam called her Chavvah (ḥaw-wāh), or Eve as we say in English.

{If you want to learn more about this, listen to Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show EP#31 We Rule with Amanda Benckhowsen) https://soulh2o.com/31/

God calls out to both of them,

“hā-’ā-ḏām”, Where are you?”
Genesis 3:9

Adam responds,

“I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
Genesis 3:10

To which God asks:

Who told you that you were naked?
Genesis 3:11

What God Didn’t Say

God didn’t scold them by saying, “You bad people, you can’t hide from me.” Or “Well it’s about time you put some clothes on!”and He didn’t say, “I’m glad you covered yourself, your bodies are shameful!” NO. He didn’t.

Before The Fall

This might be awkward to some people listening to this show, but God was fine with Adam and Eve’s nakedness, and so were they… until sin entered the picture.

You see, before sin entered the world and messed everything up, God chose to start the world with a couple, sharing intimately in the garden, without shame.

God created your sexuality to be expressed in passion, vulnerability, and intimacy. It’s how He designed you.

The most beautiful expression of your sexuality is to be a metaphor of the love relationship between Christ and His church. Not in any weird way, but a whole, holy union, a covenant of love, faithfulness and security, expressed through passion, vulnerability, and intimacy as the Songs of Solomon portray. The love life of a Christian couple should resemble the romance of that book, not a lackluster, boring, or unemotional existence of two roommates.

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

But, if you don’t know God as a loving Father, Friend and Creator, you’ll have wrong mindsets towards your love life. If you see God as an authoritative, punitive, killjoy with lots of rules, then you might tend to think of God’s viewpoint on our sexuality as, well, shameful.

Shame around your body and sexuality, when expressed in healthy ways is not from God. Shame is from the devil, the one who starts the accusative self-talk that demeans, discourages and can defeat us, if we allow it to continue.

He Cares

Know that God Does care about your sexuality. He created you and doesn’t condemn you. He doesn’t shame you. God wants the best for you and any direction He gives in His Word is never to punish but protect you, sparing you from hurt, so you can live His best and life to the full!

In His Grip,

Related Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Episodes

EP 57 | Does God Care About Your Sexuality?Sheila Gregoire

Does God Care About Your Sexuality? features an interview with Author, Speaker and Blogger, Sheila Wray Gregoire. We’re talking about her latest book and hoping to help rescue Christians from warped views on their sexuality and regain a healthy Biblical perspective.

EP 31 |We Rule! With Amanda W. Benckhuysen

We Rule! features an interview with Amanda W. Benckhuysen discusses the equality of the sexes, as God originally intended.

Celebrating Passover & Communion

Today’s Devotion is talking about the power of celebrating Passover & Communion Together.

“This day is to be a memorial for you,
and you must celebrate it
as a festival to the LORD.
You are to celebrate it
throughout your generations
as a permanent statute.
~Exodus 12:14 NIV

TODAY IS THE BEGINNING OF PASSOVER

When you sit down to have lunch today at 12noon Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, April 8, 2020; people in Israel will start their Passover celebrations and continue until Thursday, April 16^th. Hebrew people living outside of Jerusalem will start their celebrations the next day. Every year the Jewish people set aside 12 days to remember how God delivered their nation out of Egyptian bondage and how the angel of death passed-over their homes after the 10 plagues when they applied the blood to the doorframes of their homes.

This Year Is Monumental

This year’s Passover celebrations have much more in common with the first Passover experience than most as Jewish people and others join in to pray and ask God to stop the spread of this corona virus and let it pass-over our homes.

TODAY IS THE BEGINNING OF PASSOVER! Learn about joining Passover & Communion.

When I was growing up in church there wasn’t a whole lot of talk about Jewish traditions. It wasn’t until I was a late teen that I heard the term Seder meal when our pastor brought in a special speaker in to show and explain this Jewish Passover meal; revealing Christ as the sacrifice of Passover.

I remember being awed at the parallels of Jesus’ life and the Passover traditions. Jewish people were instructed to take a 1-year old sheep or goat (sorry to my vegan/vegetarian friends) without any blemish. They had to shelter it for 5 days and then they would roast it in bitter herbs, serving it with bread that has no yeast.

How Passover Is Celebrated Today

Today, the Seder meal is most often lamb served with bitter herbs and vegetables dipped in salt-water to remind them of the bitter sufferings they experienced in Egypt or that life brings.

They eat matzah bread, breaking the middle piece in half to remind them of how God parted the Red Sea for them to crossover. Half of the broken matzah bread is wrapped in a cloth and hidden for children to find later.

At one point in the meal, the children ask four questions that lead into a retelling of Israel’s history, the difficulties they’ve faced and how God miraculously set them free! They tell the stories in a way that connects them to their ancestors experience. The Jewish website Chabad.org gives direction that…

“At the Seder, every person should feel as if he or she were going out of Egypt… We are with them as G‑d sends the ten plagues to punish Pharaoh and his nation, and follow along as they leave Egypt and cross the Sea of Reeds. We witness the miraculous hand of G‑d as the waters part, allowing the Israelites to pass, then return to inundate the Egyptian legions… As we eat bitter foods of affliction and poverty, the Exodus becomes a reality—as real as the festive meal and celebratory toasts that follow.”¹

With thankfulness they drink four glasses of wine to pronounce blessings with (something we might call a toast), that end in pronouncing their faith in a coming Messiah. They end the Seder with songs of worship.

Passover & Communion Connected

It’s with the broken bread and glasses of wine where the connection with Jesus work on the cross powerfully connects the celebration of Passover and the observance of Communion. Jesus makes this clear during the last supper with His disciples in Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26 & Luke 22:14-23.Jesus explains how He is the promised Messiah and how Christians are to take communion to remember the freedom He brought us through His shed blood on the cross.

It’s only in the past few years where I’m coming to understand the importance of commemorating Passover and Communion combined. I feel strongly that this year is more important than ever for us to take part in Passover celebrations and take communion, asking God to have Covid-19 pass-over our homes, our countries, our globe.

Prayer

Father… I thank You for your heart that hears your children in their distress. You hear our cries for health and healing in the midst of Covid-19. I join my voice together with believers around the globe in thankfulness for Your saving grace. Jesus I’m so thankful for your willingness to come down to earth and die on a cross for my sin. I plead the blood of Jesus over my life… my household and the nations… may You cause Covid-19 to pass-over our homes, our countries, our globe. In Jesus Name…Amen

Joe amaral on 100 huntley street — Joe Amaral on 100 Huntley Street with Ron & Ann Mainse explaining the Seder Meal

Joe is sharing a special Good Friday message on Facebook Live that you’re all invited to watch. Click HERE

1. Exodus 12:14
2. Exodus 12:17
3. Matthew 26:26-30/Mk 14:22-26/Lk 22:14-23
4. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

6 Power-Packed Prayer Meetings In The Bible

I was writing my weekly Soul H₂O Devotion about how God Still Answers Our Prayers and it started getting toooooo long, so I decided to make this another post to just include these incredibly inspiring stories! I’m hoping you’ll possibly use this post as a Bible Study to help increase your faith.

6 Power-Packed Prayer Meetings In The Bible

1. Oh Baby! {Luke 1:5-25}

This corporate prayer meeting (vs. 10) resulted in an angelic visitation followed by the miraculous conception and birth of John the Baptist to a woman past menopause!

2. Gift Received {Acts 1:4-5, 12-15, 2:1-4}

At Jesus ascension, his last words of instruction to his disciples (both men & women) were to stay and pray; waiting for the power of God to come on them to witness through the power that would come from the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And boy did it come! The believers praying in the Upper Room received the baptism and began speaking in tongues, which caused such a stir in the town that it led to Peter began to walk into his destiny and began to preach. About 3000 people got saved that day alone (Acts 2:41) and the church moved forward in boldness and power!

3. Pre-Service Prayer {Acts 3:1-10}

When Peter & John were on their way to prayer meeting (vs.1) they saw a man who couldn’t walk. In boldness, they were used by God to see the man miraculously healed and then Peter spoke boldly and told every there for the prayer meeting about Jesus.

4. A Holy Shaking {Acts 4:12-31}

When Peter & John were brought before the authorities and threatened not to continue preaching about Jesus, the church got together and prayed for boldness to testify more about Jesus. It says that when they prayed the place shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and went out to speak the word boldly!

5. Who’s Knocking At The Door? {Acts 12:1-17}

When Peter was thrown into prison, the church began praying at John Mark’s house for him (vs. 3). Miraculously, the angel of the Lord visits Peter in jail and sets him free! Peter’s chains literally fell off when he began to move forward as the angel said. I think this is the only sleep-walking miracle in the Bible (vs.11) 🙂 Peter runs to John Mark’s house where they’re all praying for him and when Rhoda hears Peter’s voice at the door she’s so shocked that she leaves him standing outside waiting while they all argue that it couldn’t be Peter! Oh, I wish we weren’t like this; doubting God’s answers to what we’ve prayed about.

6. Chains Breaking {Acts 16:25-40}

This two-person prison prayer & praise meeting resulted in the miraculous release of Paul and Silas’ from jail. The Bible records that when they prayed together it caused an earthquake that broke open their shackles and those of all the prisoners! How crazy is that! When the Jailer woke up he feared the prisoners had all run away and was going to kill himself before the Romans killed him. Paul calls out and lets him know they were all there. Paul proceeds to boldly witness about Jesus to the jailer whose whole family comes to faith in Christ! Next, the authorities come and personally escort Paul and Silas out of jail and they went straight to Lydia’s house to see the brothers. Could they have been holding a prayer meeting too? We’ll never know until heaven. One of the many questions I’ll be asking up there 🙂

This is just a few of the prayer meetings recorded in the Bible. I hope reading about them has sparked your interest to believe what I said in the Soul H2O Devotion God Still Answers Our Prayers…

[tweetthis]When people get together and pray; God releases His power… His provision… and His presence #praymore[/tweetthis]

In His Grip,

~Sherry
xoxo

Here’s the list you can save to Study later, Pin on Pinterest, Save To your Device, or Print out for a constant reminder.