As I was reading this old entry and squirming under the conviction of these remembrances, it occurred to me that since that time, there has been another time I refused to step out of my comfort zone and do what every fiber of my soul was demanding.
I had accompanied Pete to a doctor's appointment and we were leaving. We were on the elevator headed back down. On the floor below us, the elevator stopped and a couple came on board. As soon as the elevator doors closed a compulsion came over me to go to the couple, ask if I could pray for them, lay my hands upon their shoulders and pray. Yet, there I stood, frozen in place. Not moving, nor speaking. My mind was whirling, arguing with my soul. With God's Holy Spirit voice. "If I am wrong, they will be offended! Pete will think I am crazy." (Pete was not yet saved at the time.) As we lurched ever downward, I began to pray silently in my head. For God's forgiveness. That my weakness would not stop Him from bestowing upon them what He wanted to. That he would bless them, comfort them, heal them and meet their needs.
You might say, "Well, certainly God understood. You still prayed for them." But I submit to you, is half obedience, obedience at all? If you told your teenager absolutely no drinking and be home by midnight, would you consider them obedient if they staggered inside at 11:30pm? Or if they rolled in cold sober at two in the morning? I think not. I know God forgave me. But I also know He was disappointed that I didn't let Him bless me by being fully obedient to Him. Everything in me, told me that couple would be grateful and really needed that expression of God's love right then. I let doubt and "reason" sway me from the course. I missed another experience I could have cherished. Much more than that, I let down the One who gave All for me.
What about about you? Are you always radically obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Have you ever made excuses and missed an opportunity you regretted? Even if you don't feel like sharing, take my lesson to heart and let it be yours. Don't miss an opportunity to serve the Living God!
Barbara
I wouldn't worry about it too much. Sometimes the lesson is in the not doing.
ReplyDeleteOh, no, I'm not worried about it. Amazed that I let it happen again after two other experiences that taught the same lesson. Hoping I'll be willing to plunge ahead the next time I feel I'm being led like that. But no worries. The graciousness of God knows no bounds.
DeleteI've been in a situation like that. It's hard to force ourselves out of our comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteMy pastor recently stated that of all the people he's ever asked if he could pray for them, only one said no. I've going to keep those odds in mind.
You are right Alex, that is a good thing to keep in mind. Help those of us that get too timid.
DeleteIt is hard to step out of our comfort zones. I would not have been comfortable asking someone if I could pray for them. I know that God knows this about me! God is great and he is forgiving. I don't think he is disappointed in you at all!! At least you quietly prayed for them!!
ReplyDeleteNot so much disappointed in me, but disappointed that I didn't allow Him to broaden my horizons, lead me out of my comfort zone. When we follow His leading in faith, He always blesses us in ways we never imagined.
DeleteTwo Fourth of July's ago I was going to the store to pick up some things. As I was pulling into the parking lot, saw a homeless man there. God told me to get him something to eat, so I had a sandwich made at the deli, got a bag of chips and two water bottles. Paid for our stuff, went out and delivered the sandwich. There were 2 homeless men by then but I got a big enough sandwich that they were going to share it.
ReplyDeleteSome people are comfortable praying for "strangers" I haven't had too many opportunities to do so. I like what Alex said in his comment from his pastor :)
betty
Is it just me, or does it always amaze you, too? That God knew there would be two when you came out. That the sandwich was a big one, that you had two water bottles. There are many times I have listened and did exactly what the spirit seemed to be leading me to do. It always leaves me with a good feeling inside. And sometimes it absolutely amazes me what God accomplishes! I suppose knowing those times is what makes me wish I could go back and "re-do" the times I missed.
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