All Things Anne

As a semi-introvert (I say that because around my family and close friends I’m not that way), talking to people I don’t know, as Abby would say, is “scary fo’ me”. My comfort zone is to rarely leave the house, never talk to anybody I don’t know, live in the country. But you know what? A so-called “comfort zone” is actually a selfish invention. I don’t want to do what I don’t want to do because I don’t want to do it, because I‘ll feel thisaway or thataway! How about Peter, in Matthew 14? He had a comfort zone: the boat. But you know what? Because of his faith in and focus on Jesus, he stepped out of that comfort zone.

Matthew 14:25-29 “Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.”

Then what happened? He lost his focus. His focus became on the things around him (the world).

Matthew 14:30-33 “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” “

The point is, focus on Jesus. If you are focussed on Him, you can do anything, even stepping out of your comfort zone.

I’ve also been thinking lately, we can’t witness to people about Jesus if we don’t talk to them! (Other than our examples, of course. ;) ) Look at what the Bible has to say:

Matthew 5:13-16 “”You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”"

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”"

Hm, Jesus didn’t say “Stay therefore in your houses because the world is scary” (if He’d have said that I’d agree!). No! He said “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”! (I agree with that, too, of course, just the ‘the world is scary’ line is my first reaction!)

Corrie Ten Boom was a very wise woman, and she went through a lot. Listen to what she’s said:

If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes.

It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts.

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

The bottom line is: Be sold out to Jesus, be ready to do whatever He wants, and it won’t be easy but know what? You’re on God’s side and He is in control and He wins in the end! Hallelujah!!!

If God is your copilot, you’d better switch seats!