Challenge: Keeping in Step With the Spirit

In spite of being married 23 years, I’m not a good cook.

Recently I overheard my husband explain that living with me has been a life-long exercise in “faith-based eating.” Oh, that husband of mine, he’s so funny.

But he’s also so right. Once it was my turn to cook for a group of friends. I played it safe, preparing soup which mainly required opening lots of cans. Imagine my horror when one friend ladled up a deadly-sharp can lid!

My church recently announced a chili cook-off to benefit ALS. In spite of being culinarily challenged, I felt compelled to enter, a move not unlike a tone-deaf person auditioning for American Idol.

For weeks I tried recipe after recipe until I finally concocted a very special original one—which won the competition!

As Kelly Clarkson sang, “Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.” Or at least 23 years.

I’ve been so elated about the win that I’ve not wanted to take off my first-prize apron embroidered, “Grand Champion Chili Chef 2009.” So I’ve been wearing it to school functions, church services, meetings, gynecology appointments, etc.

Oh, I kid. But I just can’t get over the fact that I succeeded in something I never dreamed possible.

My husband and I recently began hosting a small Alpha group, where people come to wrestle with the big questions of life pertaining to faith.

Even though we wanted to participate in Alpha, for the first few weeks, we felt uncomfortable and a little incompetent.

As time passed, though, we forged friendships and shared moments of spiritual growth that we never would have if we hadn't said yes to the opportunity.

Last year, my husband began meeting weekly with a student at a local elementary as part of the Kids’ Hope Program. At first George felt awkward and insecure, but the student’s enthusiastic anticipation of their weekly meeting has affirmed George’s sense of purpose in Kids’ Hope.

So maybe old dogs can learn new tricks. Because we were willing to feel uncomfortable for a little while, we’re leading a group. George now has a precious new friend. And the world has a brand new chili recipe that totally rocks!

If we’re willing to find the places where God is at work and step into the game, we can shake off routine and make a difference. A little bit of discomfort can do a body and spirit good.

Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Is God calling you to take a step somewhere out of your comfort zone today? What will you miss if you don’t? What might you gain if you do?





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