Popping My Bubble
I live in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. Our city has grown tremendously in the last couple of years. With all the development happening in our area, I rarely have the need to drive downtown or closer to the city. I joke sometimes, saying that I like to stay in my own bubble.
It is important to grow, learn, and contribute to your community. For years, I was very involved with the schools, churches, and agencies in my community. I used to volunteer a lot and participate in as many social events as I could. I firmly believed that by doing so, I was teaching my daughters a few Christlike character traits—such as having a servant’s heart, being responsible in taking care of our community, but most importantly, using those opportunities to share the Gospel with people around us. All of this became something natural for our family.
One of the biggest things I enjoyed was helping our church’s first-time visitors. I loved walking alongside people that were not just new to the church but new to the faith. I became very comfortable with the way I was carrying out the Great Commission, all inside my bubble: a familiar place, a place where I felt safe, and a place where I met people like me.
I’ve learned that once you feel comfortable doing something, it might be time to get uncomfortable again—to “pop your bubble”—to be obedient to God’s purpose for your life.
God gives us a good lesson about this in the book of Acts, chapter 11. In this passage, we learn about Peter sharing the Gospel with the Gentiles. These people were different from him. He was also visiting a place that might have been pretty uncomfortable for him. Peter was talking to people outside his bubble. Later, he is questioned by his peers about this unlawful act. He tells them that he is being obedient to God’s command and sharing the Gospel without reservations. As a result, the Gentiles received the gift of salvation.
When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life. (Acts 11:18)
Before Covid, my family and I decided to get uncomfortable and pop our bubble. We loaded up our truck every Sunday and drove very early in the morning to the opposite side of town. We brought Sunday School to a community that looked very different from ours. It was a place that looked nothing like our suburbs. We found children without any parental supervision. They were hungry and had never heard of Jesus before. They were outside our bubble.
So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way? (Acts 11:17)
We have gotten uncomfortable a few other times after that. Sharing the Gospel may be uncomfortable to us, but I strongly believe God honors that obedience, and equips us for it. As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning (Acts 11:15). Through our discomfort, He saves lives.
How can you get uncomfortable today? What person can you share the Good News with who does not share your bubble? What are you waiting for?
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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
