Be My Bubble

By Marsha Loftis

This Week’s Verse: 1 Peter 5: 8, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (NIV)

Devotion:
Have you ever been the slightest bit ‘envious’ of our pastors? Or the church secretary? Or a teacher at a Christian school? Or anyone in a position where they are for the most part surrounded by other Christians? I have. I have wondered what it would be like to not have to deal with the worldliness of, well, the world.

I used to think that it would be awesome to be able to go to work and not have to put up with the inevitable “potty mouth,” the singles “escapades,” or the “negative Nelly” that it seems is always there. What would it be like to work with people of like minds and like values? It would be bliss!

Then one day, I was blessed with this bliss! Ninety percent of the people I worked closely with were Christians. For over a year, every weekend. It was amazing! Even when one of us was having an off day, we could go in and say, “Hey, would you pray for me?” They would actually ask me the next day if things were any better! They actually cared what was going on in my life and were overjoyed to hear of God working in it!

And then it stopped…

I was really mad! I couldn’t understand why God had taken me out of my safe, wonderful bubble with my loving, caring friends and thrown me to the wolves! (Or the ‘lions’.) The ones that prowl around looking for someone to devour. Why would He not want me to be in a place of contentment? What happened to my bliss?!

After several days, and several tears, and several more complaints, it hit me! The “why” of it all. When we are safe and content and comfortable we get lazy! Spiritually speaking. I know I did. Who was I supposed to witness to when I was surrounded by Believers?! Who was I supposed to be an example to? People who were already living with the same values I had? What would be the point?!

As usual, God knew what He was doing. He gave me a fresh start. A new attitude. And a new “audience” of sorts. It made me take stock in what I did at work, how I did my job, and mindful of who was watching. I love the way He works! Just when I thought He burst my bubble, I realized that He IS My Bubble!! Instead of surrounding me with mere mortals, He is surrounding me with His supernatural power, love and grace!

Being protected by God’s bubble is special. His bubble is permeable, it has to be! It has to be gentle enough to let the “goodness” out and be strong enough to not let the “lions” in.

We all need to gather strength from our loved ones, church family, and other believers, of course. I’m in no way trying to diminish the importance of being with like-minded people. Just remember, when you feel like you’ve been thrown to the wolves, or the lions, you are the only one who can burst your own bubble!

Lord, be My Bubble. Protect my mind and heart from the prowling lions. Let my life be transparent so that others can see You through me. Let them wonder what I’ve got that they need and give the me opportunity and words to say what You want me to say. Allow me to speak to their hearts in that perfect way so they will know it’s You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
The next time you’re faced with wondering why God has placed you where you are take a look inside and ask yourself, “Have I gotten comfortable?” He is the King of taking us our of our comfort zone! After you’ve looked inside, take a look around and ask God, “Who am I here for?” or “Am I here to be blessed or to be a blessing to someone else?”

Power Verses:
Psalm 17:8-9, “Keep me as the apple of you eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.”(NIV)
John 17:15-16, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”(NIV)
Mark 16:14, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.”(MSG)
James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (NIV)