Today is February 29th, and this date happens only once every four years, so I really wanted to take advantage of this and write a new blog piece! I risked trying to merely make up something to write, then thought about what took place in my life this past weekend.

On Saturday, I attended the small group ministry orientation at my church. This precedes the few weeks of training I’ll be apart of in preparation for me to be a small group host! This may surprise you, but I’ve never served in the churches that I’ve been apart of. I grew up with a love for God and seeking Him, yet never jumped at the opportunity to help in any ministry department.

I never had any negative views about serving in the Church. There was no specific reason for it, I just didn’t jump at the opportunity to join any ministry team or department. I’m excited to have the opportunity to host a small group soon though, yet I know that this is out of my comfort zone, which happens with anything that’s new for me or anyone for that matter.

I always played the support role in a group setting, and never felt the need to take the lead. I’m a big fan of playing the background. If you haven’t seen my #ThoughtsHeChanged video, I’m an introvert, and that influences my attraction towards playing the background.

The good thing is, I’m not nervous about doing this. The need for me to serve others, as well as my lack of involvement in my church has been an underlying concern for some time, so it was important for me to jump into this. Instead, it’s being a leader in a way that I haven’t done before that takes me out of my comfort zone.

I like doing things that are familiar and comfortable to me, and doing this is a new experience for me. Being comfortable with what you’ve always done will always be more attractive than stretching yourself, no matter how much you know you must. It’s not just my lack of experience as a leader, but I’m comfortable in my current lifestyle. Once I get used to my routine in life, it can be hard to switch it up honestly. Deciding to do this will fill up some of the time I usually spend at home relaxing, so getting out of that mindset is important.

What brings me the greatest comfort, though, is that I see this as more than a job to do. In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Paul speaks about the love of Christ compelling them to not boast in their calling or live for themselves.

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; ¹⁵ and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

For me, I feel the love of Christ compels me to serve in this capacity. I think about the opportunity for community, how hard it can be to stay connected, and how much Christ loves community!

Learn to appreciate the uncomfortable opportunities that God brings to you in life. This is something that I continue to learn myself. If God never desired to invest in your life, you’d simply exist in the way you feel is comfortable for you. Living life from God’s point of view automatically takes you from your own comfort zone and gives you a heart for others. You’re not given comfort in doing the things God has for you to do, but the love of Christ that compels you in whatever you do is the greatest comfort.