Life is easier if I stay on my couch. The cushions are cushy; the pillows are soft. My beloved got me a personal space heater, so it’s warm on my couch, too.
I study my Bible on my couch and read mysteries there. I watch TV, eat, and occasionally nap on my couch.
On my couch, everyone believes the same, votes the same, and feels the same. It’s safe on my couch.
In a time when staying at home in my comfort zone sounds wonderful, I remind myself that I can’t stay there. As a follower of Christ, I am called to go out into the world to share the good news of His love.
Simon Peter was in a good and safe place that day, too: the fishing business. He could have stayed right there – comfortable in what he knew. Secure in a future that was structured and dependable.
But Jesus happened by. He drew a crowd in the right spot and needed to use Peter’s boat. A bit later He caused a miraculous catch of fish to catch Peter’s heart. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said. “From now on you will catch men.”
So, Peter and his fishing partners pulled their boats up on shore, left everything, and followed Jesus. They left everything. In Bible language, “everything” means “everything.”
They were not perfect and wouldn’t be this side of heaven, but they left their comfort zone to spread the good news. God used them to change the world.
It was sometimes scary. Not everyone was nice out in the Holy Land. Everyone did not agree with them, their words, or their actions. They weren’t trying to make friends; they were trying to make more disciples.
Before Jesus went back to heaven, He told the disciples they would be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). We are His current-day witnesses. Still today Jesus is calling us to follow in His steps.
When I get off my couch, I won’t go into the world alone. The Holy Spirit will be in me and will guide me. God will give me the words to speak just like He did for Moses: “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say,” Exodus 4:12.
It may be scary or unexpected. Everyone I meet may not be kind. I remember that people were not always kind to Jesus. Whether in town or away, I have encouragement and instruction from God’s Word (the Sword of the Spirit). When times are difficult, I have my sword to draw at a moment’s notice. Not to poke people but for situations that might arise.
A new verse I’m carrying this week is 1 Thessalonians 5:8: “Since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” This breastplate matches everything, and the helmet won’t mess up my hair.
Jesus called Simon to get out of the boat of comfort. He had a plan for him to reach the lost.
He calls me to get off the couch of comfort. He has a plan for me, too. With keys in hand, breastplate in place, sword in my pocket (verses written on paper), I walk out the door to my mission field.