Session 26

Don’t take the easy way out

From Jeremiah: A 33-Day Devotional

Have you ever felt like God wanted you to invite a co-worker or even a stranger to church? Maybe you wanted to share your story, but you didn’t because you were afraid they would reject you or think you were weird.

Sometimes trusting God gets really uncomfortable. The prophet Uriah was sent by God to warn Israel of the danger awaiting them because of their sin. When the king threatened to kill him, Uriah ran away scared but was later captured and killed (Jeremiah 26:20-23).

God sent the prophet Jeremiah with the same message, to the same people, saying, “Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word” (Jeremiah 26:2). Upon hearing his warning, many in Israel demanded Jeremiah’s death as well. Jeremiah could have ignored God and avoided the topic. However, Jeremiah didn’t change his message because his confidence wasn’t in himself, but in God.

Ignoring or omitting some of God’s commands because we’re uncomfortable will always be easier. But instead of leaving us in the easy way, God wants to lead us through the best way.

When we skip over parts of the Bible that make us confused or uncomfortable, we attempt to rewrite God’s message in our own way, which really means it’s our message and not God’s. Rather than ignoring sections of the Bible, we can use it as an opportunity to ask for someone else’s help in understanding more about God. And as we take more next steps with Jesus, we can help other people take next steps, too.

As we share God’s message — the good news that Jesus saves us and changes our lives — we'll encounter some awkward moments. But if we'll embrace the awkwardness, we'll find ourselves participating in God's miracles as well. 

Reflect:

• Do parts of the Bible make you uncomfortable? Which ones?
• What have you learned about God through tough or uncomfortable sections of the Bible?
• When was the last time you shared your story? Ask God who needs to hear your story today.