I hate to go to the grocery store.
In fact, I think one of the best things ever invented is Walmart online grocery.
I mean, it’s free! I don’t go in and buy a bunch of things I don’t need. They save all the things I buy regularly so I can just click on each one and add it to my order. I don’t have to unload kids and try to shop with them running around. I don’t have to load everything and everyone back once my groceries are purchased. I can order them, and pick them up on my way home from work. It’s awesome!
But, this really isn’t an ad for Walmart online grocery.
You see, yesterday, I had to do the unthinkable…I had to actually go into the grocery store. Maybe I’m being just a tad dramatic, but does anyone really like to go to the grocery store?
I realized yesterday that while I do have several good reasons for avoiding the store, I also had one not-so-good reason.
People.
And not just a person in particular. Just people in general. I have no excuse for this. But my introverted self, many times, just wants to avoid people.
I’m quiet. I’m not good at small talk. I’m not comfortable in a crowd of people.
And as I left the store, I felt convicted. I felt God say, “You need to work on this.”
You see, God created each of us with unique gifts and talents. Some of us love to talk. Some of us like to be the center of attention. Some of us prefer to work behind the scenes. We are all different. We all have strengths and weaknesses.
But just because something is not our strength doesn’t mean we should avoid it.
We are to rely on God in our weaknesses. After all, He tells us that in our weakness, His power is made perfect. 2 Corinthians 12:9
We often think that the talents and gifts God gives us will bring Him the most glory. But what if our weaknesses and struggles have even more potential to show His power?
We are a work in progress.
We all have areas where we need to improve.
Mark 1:28 says, “Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Jesus wasn’t trying to avoid people. Jesus wanted to go wherever He could to preach the Word to whoever He could.
And we must do the same.
1 John 2:6 says, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
We must live as Jesus.
Even when it’s hard.
Even when we would rather do something else.
We must choose others over self. We must walk in love.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
