Craig Clouston

 Comfort Zone

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.

Proverbs 29:25

David received a call from a friend who was offering free tickets to the political event of the year. His first impression was negative; he disliked political socials.

After a moment of discussion with his wife, they accepted the generous offer. David and Gwen were determined to see what God would lead them into at this event.

In black tie and evening gown, they walked into the ballroom. Finding a table amidst the hundreds of people was uncomfortable for David. Surveying the room, they found a relatively vacant table occupied only by a retired pastor and his wife. The couple introduced themselves and was seated.

They were joined at the table by a county commissioner and his wife, as well as one of the wealthiest men in town. As the evening progressed, David and Gwen spoke openly with everyone at the table but had extended conversations with the wealthy businessman. David exchanged business cards with the man as the evening ended, expecting this might be his last contact with the man. David was surprised and delighted to receive a phone call from him the next day. Over time, God built a strong relationship between these men, allowing one to share his faith and the other to share his wisdom.

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God will never ask us to go somewhere and do something He’s not willing to equip us for. Had this couple decided to yield to the negative inclination of the initial contact, they would have missed out on a relationship that enriched their lives. They were not looking for what this rich man’s wealth could do for them. They were looking to see where God could use them to deepen this man’s relationship with God.

Fear of power and even money can keep us from experiencing unique relationships with some of God’s most creative individuals. When we open up to possibilities and expand our horizons mentally, God will expand them literally.

Prayer

“I’m uncomfortable in some situations, Lord. Help me put that fear to rest. Teach me to bring my fear to You, where it belongs, in Your hands. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”