Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: STRETCH (04/08/21)
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TITLE: Warm Bed or Chilly Morn? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Elizabeth Hayden
04/15/21 -
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So many times we are called to come out of our comfort zones. So often we turn away out of fear,
reluctance or complacency. Like staying between the flannel sheets in a warm, cozy bed on a chilly
morning, it is difficult to rouse ourselves to heed the direction God has for us.
When (if) we do, though, it is an adventure. The origin of the word ‘adventure’ comes from the Latin
meaning ‘to arrive’ and progressed into ‘ about to happen’. ( Oxford dictionary on Google) We may think
of the term ‘Advent’-the season before Christ’s birth. There is risk involved. Excitement. Anticipation.
So for those staying between the cozy sheets, there will be a loss of excitement; a turning away from the
Adventure that is God’s call on their life.
Yet, for those who climb out of that cozy bed on a chilly morning, there is anticipation of being involved
In what God has called them to. It may seem mundane, in the ordinary, daily reality of tending children,
the elderly or maybe the surety of a menial job required to pay the bills. Still, if the desire is there to
Adventure there will be people and experiences placed in their lives to testify to His greatness.
Consider the ordinary people who were chosen to take on important roles in Christian history: the
always impressive shepherd boy turned king, David tended sheep, preparing unbeknownst to him, to
slay a giant with an accurately placed stone. His confidence came from the Lord, to stand against
mockery of his God. (1 Samuel 16-17) Rahab, the prostitute who hid Joshua’s spies, risking her own
safety (Joshua 2) . Her fear of the Lord through knowledge of His works spurned respect to act.
Mary, the mother of Jesus and Joseph, a carpenter and earthly father to the Christ child- the obedience
to their roles in God’s plans was crucial. ( Luke 1, 2)
These folks and many more were called out of their comfort of the warm sheets on a chilly morning.
They took on the risk and excitement of Adventure with the Lord whether by intentional choice
or…happenstance.
What about each of us? Do we sense a calling in some manner on our lives? Are we willing to climb out
of the warm bed of complacency? Or simply snuggle back under the covers thinking ‘surely the risk is
not meant for me’ ?
Sometimes the call is so loud it cannot be ignored.
As the body physically stretches to keep itself flexible, we may practice spiritual flexibility by keeping
ourselves alert in the spiritual battle, developing flexibility; the ability to adapt and adjust to pressures.
We must bend, but not break; adapt but not compromise; flex without falling, shattering. Without
proper tempering a knife blade will snap. The same is true of people. Temper results from being
heated and cooled. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Inflexible people will not change into Christ’s image and they will not serve where God wants them or in
the way He wants. These inflexible people are often defined in scripture as proud, arrogant, selfish, hard
and ‘as iron’. Ouch! Does that describe any of my attitudes? Some honest examination may be needed.
Some action may be needed. Or it will be the case, that we settle back into the complacency of comfort.
Will we allow the tempering of heat and cool to strengthen the steel of our faith and obedience or leave
the stretching to someone else? It is a question worth considering.
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