One Good Thing..

about being boarded up in a house all to myself for 3 days is I have had the opportunity to do some serious reading. I don't normally have more than one book going at a time, but Hurricane Ike changed that and I have been reading some amazing books! I've been trying to work my way through "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson and thanks to Ike, I have finished it! I am not a "warrior" type personality. I don't go after something with all my might and fight until I've conquered it. I'm more of a mouse...in a maze...not discouraged by the wall...very content to try the next set of twists and turns until I have arrived at my destination. Both personalities eventually meet their arrival, but after reading this book I realized that I may be playing it much too safe and missing out on God-sized opportunities. Mark says, "As I look back on my own life, I recognize this simple truth: The greatest opportunities were the scariest lions. Part of me has wanted to play it safe, but I’ve learned that taking no risks is the greatest risk of all. When we don’t have the guts to step out in faith and chase lions, then God is robbed of the glory that rightfully belongs to Him.” I like my peaceful life, so the thought of chasing a lion (you have to read the book) doesn't appeal to me. But the thought of missing out on God-ordained opportunities does. I want all that God has for me and I don't want to miss it because I'm content to be redirected. I think there's a balance, but I also think we have a responsibility to stand up for and go after those things that God calls us to. I love this quote from the book: "How you think about God will determine who you become. You are a byproduct of your God-picture. And that internal picture of God determines how you see everything else.” Isn't that cool? You are a byproduct of your God-picture!! What does that say about you...and me? And he goes on to say, "Our problems seem really big because our God seems really small. In fact, we reduce God to the size of our biggest problem. Maybe it’s time to stop creating God in your image and let Him create you in His.” Ouch!! I am going to get to work on this...trusting God for the big stuff...taking risks...seizing the opportunity. I am going to work on dreaming bigger because Mark says, “A request can never be too ridiculous when you’re asking the One who knows no limits.” Don't you love it? Don't you love Him? I'll be back to give you more book reviews soon! In the meantime, chase the lion!! 2 Samuel 23:20-23