But they're strangers.
And I'm terrified of talking to them, to tell you the truth. But. (deep breath...) Today I'm stepping out to the edge. I'm going to make a concerted effort to hand my fear to God and start a meaningful conversation with someone on a ride today. You can do this too! Even if you aren't on horseback, make a point of stepping beyond the small talk today and showing someone you love them by talking about things they need to hear. Ask them how you can pray for them, or tell them about what God has been teaching you lately.
For some of you, this will be easier than it will be for me. But let's take a deep breath, step out, and make a difference today!
*Update*
God completely blessed my socks off. You know how scared I was about this? Well, I prayed about it a bit, but I honestly didn't expect God to make it any easier than I imagined. But He's God, you know? He doesn't live in my expectations.
I started talking to a girl behind me on a trail ride, wracking my brain to bring up something about God or church without sounding awkward. It wasn't working, so I ended up just chatting with her about the horses. She asked me if I knew the story behind any of the horse's names, so I told her about one story I knew. Then I remembered the ponies named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I mentioned them, but it took a second for my mind to adjust to the glaring opportunity staring me down.
"Do you know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?" I asked, fully expecting her to know it.
She didn't.
And then God convicted me and worked everything out at the same time.
See, I know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But not well enough to rattle off at a moment's notice. So God convicted me to learn that story well, as a tool in future conversations.
But He worked everything out anyway.
When I mentioned that the story was in the Bible, the girl told me that she was actually reading through the Bible! This led to a conversation about her Wednesday night church group and about the Bible.
God showed up, guys.
He showed up when I was terrified but when I stepped out in faith anyway.
That. was. awesome.
*Update*
God completely blessed my socks off. You know how scared I was about this? Well, I prayed about it a bit, but I honestly didn't expect God to make it any easier than I imagined. But He's God, you know? He doesn't live in my expectations.
I started talking to a girl behind me on a trail ride, wracking my brain to bring up something about God or church without sounding awkward. It wasn't working, so I ended up just chatting with her about the horses. She asked me if I knew the story behind any of the horse's names, so I told her about one story I knew. Then I remembered the ponies named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I mentioned them, but it took a second for my mind to adjust to the glaring opportunity staring me down.
"Do you know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?" I asked, fully expecting her to know it.
She didn't.
And then God convicted me and worked everything out at the same time.
See, I know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But not well enough to rattle off at a moment's notice. So God convicted me to learn that story well, as a tool in future conversations.
But He worked everything out anyway.
When I mentioned that the story was in the Bible, the girl told me that she was actually reading through the Bible! This led to a conversation about her Wednesday night church group and about the Bible.
God showed up, guys.
He showed up when I was terrified but when I stepped out in faith anyway.
That. was. awesome.
Hey, thanks for sharing this experience. I'm scared too. Scared of saying the wrong thing, or coming across as a preachy know-it-all when all I really want to do is share God's love. Your story helps boost my confidence a little. It reminds me that God knows our fear, and our feeling of inadequacy. He knows we don't know what to say, but if we trust Him and step out in faith, He can give us words, and make our clumsy efforts beautiful. I too, write better than I talk. It's frustrating sometimes...
ReplyDeleteYes! It's so scary to step outside our comfort zones. But I am glad I did - so, so glad - because God showed up. It makes me trust Him more when I have a real memory of God showing His power when all I could do was trust Him in my weakness. Mallory, God wants to display His awesome power through you - keep stepping out in faith! And thanks for the comment. It made my day. :)
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