Ouch!

After once again trying to wear my new — but too tight — pair of slippers, I retreated to my comfortable, well-worn ones, thankful for the bit of support that they still had. As I pondered the new, rarely worn, rather tight, plush pair, I reluctantly considered that perhaps it was time to break them in and stretch them!

How similar this is to our Christian walk, I thought!

Do you, too, prefer the comfort zone of the past instead of the challenge of stepping forward to do the Lord's work in perhaps a new or different way? Even in the midst of this pandemic, where we in Ontario have been under a lockdown/stay-at-home order once again, there is still work to do for the Lord! People need to hear the Good News! We can't be out and about as was normal in the past. How, Lord, I wondered, do we move forward, uncomfortable as it may be (like my new slippers) and do Your work?

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (NLT)

We need to seek His word, praying for direction and guidance to do His will. Perhaps we'll be urged to make a phone call, write a letter, send a text message or an email, or even compose a devotional. Is baking your gift to touch someone with God's love? Perhaps, including a Bible verse along with the goodies would encourage someone and give them new hope. Each of us needs to stretch a bit, to leave the old slippers behind, to step outside our comfort zone, and to find new ways to be His hands, His feet, and His voice in this world!

My late husband used to share a solo that was originally sung by The Imperials:

You're the only Jesus that some will ever see,
And you're the only words of life, some will ever read.
So let them see in you the One in whom is all they'll ever need,
'Cause you're the only Jesus, some will ever see.
       – David Will

Point to ponder: Lord, how are You wanting me to stretch and step out of my comfort zone so that You can use me to touch Your world?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we come before You, admittedly preferring the comfortable, but also acknowledging that You know best and will help us to step forward, even when things seem a little tight and new. Give us courage and strength to be Your hands, Your feet, and Your voice, because we know that we're the only Jesus some may ever see! In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

MaryLou Tompkins <bmltompkins@icloud.com>
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
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