The back cover of the book includes a most familiar verse but the wording falls new and different.
“I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way” (Psalm 139:14, NCV)
Immediately the truth hits me: I know the verse mentioned but I struggle at times believing that His workmanship in me is wonderful or marvelous.
In her new devotional, Do You Know You’re Already Amazing?, author Holley Gerth shares thirty truths which God seeks to deposit into our hearts about who He created us to be. I have loved Holley’s past devotionals and this one did not disappoint. In fact, it delivered more than I expected.
Over the years I have realized that at times I feel like I do not measure up or I am not enough. There are seasons where reason reigns and confidence is in place. But then there are those times when I am challenged to step out of my comfort zone, anxiety can set in as I attempt something new.
In one chapter, Holly shares about Rebekah, who is spotted a servant sent to search for a wife for Isaac. As the servant notices Rebekah’s fine character, along with her beauty, he proposes that she leave her home to go with him and become Isaac’s wife.
Here is what Holly shares about Rebekah and comfort zones:
If we always stick to what seems safest and most familiar, we risk missing out on what God has planned for us. Instead we can simply pray,”God, I’m open to whatever you have for me today. Even if what I face is unknown, I know you. I trust you to take care of me wherever you call me to go.” Leaving our comfort zone may meant an actual change in location like it did for Rebekah. But it can also happen reaching out to others who are different than us. Learning something new. Pursuing a dream. We like to put limits on our lives, but we serve a limitless God who invites us to move beyond what has confined and defined us.
(from page 189)
Having recently found myself involved in a project which put me way outside of my comfort zone, this chapter spoke deeply. As I pushed through my discomfort, I came to discover I was able to do what I thought I would be unable to do. There was a joy in accomplishing that which was formerly unknown to me.
More so, I came to realize that comfort zones are overrated. The best place to be is not in our comfort zones. The best place to be is in the very place where God has called us, for it is there we will find ourselves smack in the center of His will.
There are thirty truths unpacked in this devotional book. Each chapter is short but designed to remind us that we are loved by God and have been placed where we need to be for His purposes.
The book contains four questions at the end of each devotional designed to prompt us to pray more on the truths shared. Each chapter is a gentle and tender reminder of our great worth and purpose. It makes a great study to do individually or as a group discussion.
** I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Coffee For Your Heart and Tell His Story and Women With Intention and Cozy Reading Spot .
This sounds like such an encouraging read! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Blessings!
It truly is and affirming as well. We are all uniquely designed for His purposes. Thank you for stopping here!
I loved this part especially, “āI praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful wayāĀ (Psalm 139:14, NCV)
Immediately the truth hits me: I know the verse mentioned but I struggle at times believing that His workmanship in me is wonderful or marvelous.”
Thanks for sharing, friend. I hope to read these books soon.
I loved the way the above version worded such a familiar verse. Brought a new perspective. Thank you for stopping here!
Thank you for the excerpt about Rebekkah. That is such an interesting story. Sounds like a great book. You’re right. There is such a feeling of accomplishment when we do something we never dreamed we could.
There is definitely something to be said for stepping out of our comfort zones. It was a wonderful and affirming book! But then, all of Holley’s books are!
Oh, my -> “Comfort zones are over-rated”
That’s certainly a zinger right to my faint-hearted following.
Thanks for sharing Holley’s good words – and your thoughts about them.
We surely don’t want to be faint-hearted but stout-hearted š Your comment so brought that to mind. Thank you!
I love Holley and her encouraging messages. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Every one of her little devotional books carry a powerful message!
Isn’t the book wonderful?! I received a copy as well, and cannot recommend highly enough for every woman I know!
It’s true, Becky. It is one of those little books you desire to get into everyone’s hands. Blessings!
I’m enjoying this book too. Holley Gerth excels when it comes to sharing truth that is saturated with encouragement.
It’s true, Ginger. Each of her books are affirming and pack a message which pushes us to be all that we were designed to be. Blessings!
Joanne, I can relate to your words and particularly, “there was a joy in accomplishing that which was formerly unknown to me.” God is nudging (with an occasional push) me out of some comfort zones and while it’s a bit uncomfortable at times, I’m finding great joy in being obedient to Him and uncovering new things about Him and me as a result. Thanks so much for sharing your personal application from Holley’s book!
Tiffany, so with you on this. Sometimes it takes the occasional push {{aka – heave ho}} for me to do the uncomfortable but most beneficial thing. But we’re learning š
You are a good book reviewer. I am not!!! Thanks for visiting me today!
Thank you! I am so glad we are all different because you have blessed me more times than you could know. I guess that is truly the amazing part of who we all already are š
This sounds like a great book. I agree that comfort zones are over-rated. I think it’s when we are out of our comfort zones we most learn to depend on God and see that with him we can do more than we would have believed we could. It’s still not easy to step out though. It’s always important to be reminded of truth.
Lesley, thank you for sharing your thoughts as you have made me think a bit more on this. Comfort zones actually deceive us into thinking we are in a safe place. In actuality, they are the most dangerous place we could be as they rob us of the new ways God is seeking to grow and use us. May we be brave and venture out!