'Jumping' the Invisible Fences in our Lives

Today's blog has been contributed by David Trotta:

I’m sure you are familiar with invisible fences for pets, primarily dogs.  They are installed underground and are designed to keep the dogs confined to a certain area of the yard.  Dogs wear a special collar that gives them a slight electrical shock if they get to close to the boundaries set by the invisible fence.  After a couple attempts at running for freedom, they quickly learn to stay confined to that certain area to avoid experiencing the discomfort delivered by a few jolts of electricity.

Did you also know that some persistent dogs, understanding the freedom that awaits them on the other side, have actually braved through the pain and broken free from their confinement?

What about us?  What invisible collars and fences has the enemy strategically placed in our lives to keep us confined?

For example, when God prompts us to step out and be used by Him to touch someone’s life, what uncomfortable thoughts or feelings does the enemy use to keep us confined?  How about a jolt of fear – “If I share my faith with that person, I might be ridiculed or rejected.”  Or, how about a jolt of inconvenience – “Not now Lord!  My schedule is too hectic today; I might be late for my meeting at church.”  Or, how about a jolt of unbelief – “What if I pray for that person to be healed and nothing happens?”

In Mark 6:7,12-13, Jesus commissioned us to go – Calling the Twelve to him, he (Jesus) began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.  They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Don’t let your fears or the lies of the enemy stop you in your tracks when it comes to being used by God to touch the lives of others.  Instead, choose to step out of the comfort zone that confines you, regardless of the risk, inconvenience, or possible rejection involved.

As my pastor said on Sunday, Jesus was temporarily confined by the cross and the grave, but He broke out of those confinements, and the result was heaven breaking out on the earth.  If you choose to partner with God and break out of your confinements, He will bring heaven to those around you.