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?”

“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.”
(Ephesians 2:10 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.

Mary Lou Tompkins
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada