Written by: Britney Harrison
Anyone who has ever played Twister knows just how uncomfortable things can get. You stretch your limbs as far as possible and test your own strength and flexibility to reach the spot that has been called out. You quite literally bend over backwards, but for what purpose? Is there really a reason why you are willing to obey the commands called out when it knowingly brings discomfort? What is there to gain?
I so often feel that us Christians are unwilling to get out of our comfort zones for God. We may go the extra mile to ensure that our right foot stays on yellow as our left hand reaches for green, but do we put that same effort into our relationship with God? We must check up on how willing we are to get uncomfortable in order to bring Him glory. One area I feel this is the most dire is in witnessing and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
I am as guilty of this as anyone else. As someone who works with children, I find it so easy to stick to sharing the gospel with people under 5 feet tall. Children do not question or judge what I say the same way that adults do, they have a childlike faith (Matthew 18:1-5). But when I leave my Sunday school class I am not always a faithful witness. I am not a shy person, I have no excuse for not taking all of the opportunities that God has given me. I must remind myself of 2 Timothy 1:7, which says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” God has gone before us and established our paths, we need only to be willing to follow it. We are often willing to follow worldly commands, like in the silly games we play. We should be more intent on following the commands of our Father. He has commanded “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:47-48). The very thing we are called to do is share about Jesus with others!
I do not say any of these things to condemn or judge, but rather with the intention to urge you to share the Gospel and encourage you not to be afraid. Discomfort is necessary for growth. It is time for the flesh to get uncomfortable so that we can grow our faith and the kingdom of God. I am sure we can all think of lost people we would love to see saved; it is time we boldly act in faith. And if the world judges you for it, so what? The world hated Jesus first (John 15:18). It is time to start sharing the Word and the true Gospel of Jesus Christ! This looks different for everyone. You may be called to missions in a foreign country or you may just have a conversation over the fence of your yard with a neighbor. It need not to be extravagant, just done in love and faith.
I encourage you to take time to evaluate which commands and voices you are listening to. Do you care more about the silly games of this world? Are you becoming stagnant in your walk with God because of an unwillingness to get out of your comfort zone? Are you an active witness? The opportunities are there, we just need to take them. Spend time reflecting on your walk, and ask God in which ways you can better serve Him.