In life group on Thursday nights, we have been doing Bible studies each week that coincide with Pastor David’s sermon series on the book of Acts. We’re learning so much about the early church. There is a great deal for us to gain from examining the way they engaged in community. This week Pastor David’s discussion questions focused in part on safety. He asked if we could give an example of a situation where we had chosen obedience over safety. This is a much more difficult question than meets the eye in my opinion. We first peeled away what we think “safety” means in today’s context (since none us of are facing the jailer for doing the work of the gospel). As we talked more, it was really difficult for us to come up with specific examples. Problematic. I challenged the group to spend this next week thinking about where God is calling them to obedience, and then assess where the risk is. I would challenge you to do the same as well. Think about what really is risky. I think this is a much more difficult thing to grip than we admit. There are things that I can do that further the kingdom at absolutely no risk to myself. They are not wasted time – and we should keep doing them! But what about this question of obedience and safety? It’s well worth spending a little time evaluating what hard things God might be calling you to do, and then praying for the discipline to obey.
Are you living in community with other Christians who are challenging you in your faith? If not…get connected! Start with a life group or small group Bible study. The reality is that we grow as a unified body of believers as we struggle through life’s challenges together, and as we ask each other the really tough questions. Life group is a perfect place to really engage in that process. At the end of the day, we can take the risk and obey God because we serve a God who is all powerful – He is our strong tower, our great deliverer, our mighty fortress, everlasting…beginning to end. The safest place we can be is to be living out the great plan God has for us – He designed the blueprints for each of us, knows intimately what we need and what our limits are, there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from God’s great love.
Much love,
Laurie
