C.Ryenne Thoughts

One of my goals for this New Year is to seek out vulnerability and so in the spirit of vulnerability, here we go!

I didn’t post any blogs last year.

It wasn’t because I needed a break, or I stopped writing. It’s because I suddenly cared what other people thought of me. I was nervous and overthinking, so I wrote down what God was telling me; I just didn’t share it.

But, that’s not what the Lord calls me to do as a Christian. As Christians and as a Christian community, we are called to share the Gospel, encourage others, and follow what the Lord is telling us to do.

In chapter 27 of Jeremiah, God has Jeremiah make a yoke out of straps and wooden cross bars; God has him put it on his neck. You can imagine the yoke might look a little funky, uncomfortable, and maybe even a little embarrassing since it was hand-crafted.

The Lord asks him to wear this yoke and speak to many nations and people. So, if Jeremiah followed what God was telling him to do, He would be wearing this big awkward yoke around his neck and preaching to hundreds of people.

At this point in time, people were already looking down on Jeremiah and the words he was giving them; some people had even tried to have him killed!

He was telling them what they didn’t want to hear, although it was the truth and they needed to hear it.

Despite all this, Jeremiah obeyed the Lord without hesitation, even though he may not have looked or sounded like how people wanted him to. Even if what he was saying, wasn’t what others wanted to hear. Even if he didn’t fit into the “norm”. Even if it was awkward or scary. Even if he just didn’t feel like it. Even if motivation was lacking. Even if he could’ve been killed. He didn’t hesitate to do what the Lord was telling him to do.

Today, this could look like many things. Maybe you feel called to pray for a stranger. Maybe you feel called to share the Gospel with someone close to you. Maybe you feel called to post Christian content. Maybe you feel called to lead worship. Maybe you feel called to speak at church. Maybe you feel called to lead a church.

Whatever you feel the Lord prompting you to do, may not be easy. It may not be what you want to do or feel comfortable doing. But, normally, nothing exciting and new comes from being in your comfort zone. Sometimes, we have to step out in faith, obey the Lord, and watch Him work.

There will be times of rejection or times that you hear negativity. Jesus warned us that that would be the response to telling others about Him.

That’s why it is so important to have your identity established in Christ.

It’s hard not to care what others think or compare yourself to others, but God made each of us for a purpose. (If you’re doubting that you have a purpose, read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26)

He gifted you with something to bring to the table. If you’re not sure what that is, ask the people closest to you. Sometimes our purpose isn’t one big thing, it can be a lot of little things – which are just as important! Every big tree starts with a little seed.

My challenge for both you (and I) this week is to step out of your comfort zone at least once in the name of Jesus. Do something that you wouldn’t normally do, or something that you’re scared to do! I’ll be praying that the Lord would show you the fruit of stepping out in faith.

– C.Ryenne

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 1:19

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” John 15:18