Become A Hero

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. …. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals;.. (Luke 10)

Over the years, my wife and I have sought God’s direction many times for our schedule and activities so that our children would learn, mature and, in the long run, be blessed. But, many times our children missed out on the intended blessing because they too effectively resisted. Sometimes, the exercise was pretended, carrot juice was flushed, cheating took place and the study was actually a nap. But, whoever and whenever the disciplines, studies and chores were embraced, there eventually were rewards of rich knowledge, stronger character, improved health and valuable self-discipline.

When Jesus said “Go!”, how many of Jesus disciples responded by saying, “I don’t feel like it!”, or “I don’t think that’s a good idea”? Over time, Jesus gradually lost disciples and the crowds got smaller. Those who obeyed the dictates of their comfort lost interest in the challenges of following Jesus. But, they also missed out on the adventure and the incredible blessing of seeing and experiencing God’s provision and power.

Often, our strength will grow the most in the very areas where we must exert the most effort to overcome our natural feelings. In other words, the most growth happens when we get into the discomfort zone. Do you feel like speaking to your neighbor about Christ? Do you feel like conversing with your wife about issues important to her? Is there a home repair that you just don’t feel like working on? Do you feel like reading God’s Word everyday? Did you feel like it today? Boys become men and men become heroes by receiving God's grace to overcome the whispers of fear or the siren call of comfort.

Project:

• Let’s each ask God to remind us of a project or discipline that we don’t feel like confronting.
• Let’s each Ask God for grace to move into the discomfort zone and embrace that discipline or project.
  

Job 33:14 – Why?
Matt 4:4 – How?