March 14, 2005 Jeremiah 24:1-10

 March 14, 2005                                                                      Jeremiah 24:1-10

 

Jeremiah 24:5-7 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans. I will set my eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up.  I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.

 

 

            In a class I once took, we discussed our “comfort zones.” These were defined as those things that we’re comfortable doing, where we feel secure. We all like to be safe in our own little world, doing what everyone expects us to do. It is very difficult to force ourselves outside of this area, to do anything.

            What are some examples of our comfort zones?  Well, most of us sit in the same pew every Sunday, and talk to the same people each week – that’s part of our zone. We get up each day and go to our jobs, and visit with our friends, all within the zone. Does the thought of standing up in front of the church and giving a sermon make you uncomfortable?  Writing a devotional? Teaching a Bible school class? Or reading the Bible and praying with a stranger in a hospital or nursing home? Standing up for what is right, even when the crowd disagrees? Stopping to help some stranger on the side of the road? Walking into a prison and working with the incarcerated? Each of us have different areas and different levels that make us feel insecure. We may even feel afraid of some perceived danger, of being thoughtful foolish, of being ridiculed, of losing our place in society. Those things are outside of our comfort zones.

            But doesn’t God often ask us to step out of our little safe havens?  In this passage, God’s people left their homes, friends, and families.  It wasn’t their choice; I’m sure they thought it was King Nebuchadnezzar who exiled them, but God said it was He who sent them away. They didn’t know what he planned but they went, and by doing so found favor with God. And he promised to watch over them, to build them up, and most importantly to give them a heart to know him. Those same promises are extended to you when you go willingly where he leads you.

            There's only one way to increase your comfort zone - that’s by stretching it. In Christian terms, we call it a Leap of Faith. We may find that the things that are most rewarding and the most life changing are outside the limits that we’ve set for ourselves.

 

Lord, give me the faith every day to trust you to lead my life.  Help me to feel secure and unafraid as I go where you send me.  I know what you need me to do may stretch my comfort zone.  Help me remember your promise and go boldly about your work each day.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Cristy Wheeler