My New Life With Bottom Feeders – by Sheila Graham

I was stunned.  Set before me was a large pale, pink-tinged shrimp in a flute, decorated with a sprig of dill. I had told God before I came to my neighbor’s house that I would eat whatever was set before me. I didn’t want to embarrass my friend. Now, I wasn’t so sure I could make that happen. My stomach turned at the thought of eating that shrimp. I don’t think so, pal!

But I had promised God so I doused it in sauce and took a bite. Then my stomach rebelled. No more, you’re pushing me. But I took another couple of nibbles. That’s when my stomach warned, One more bite and I’m going to upchuck right here in front of your friend and everybody. I listened this time!

Finally, everyone was through except for me. My sweet host was gracious, whispering I didn’t have to eat it all, as she took away all the flute glasses and served the next course.

Why did I make that promise to God. He didn’t require it of me. It was obviously motivated by pride, “See God, see what I can do when I put my mind to it”. He must have smiled, maybe even laughed, at the look on my face when I saw that shrimp. I have no doubt our Savior has a sense of humor.

Why was this so hard for me? As a young adult I became associated with a church denomination that taught a lot of dos and don’ts for living the Christian life, which included following the Old Testament food laws.

When I came out of that organization I felt like the apostle Peter must have felt when he stepped out of the boat onto the water and walked to Jesus. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he was OK.  

I’m still out of that boat and on the solid ground of faith in Jesus and his righteousness. Like Peter I also falter at times, but when that happens Christ lifts me up, just as he did Peter. “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:17, NIV).

My life has totally changed. Everything I do to serve him and others is a joyous response to what he has done for me, not a legalistic duty. I am free because he has done everything that needs to be done. I don’t need to gain his favor, I already have it. I don’t need to read my Bible more or pray more or fast more or give more. There’s nothing I can do that’s enough because he is the one who’s enough. And if I get tired, like the good shepherd he is, he promises to carry me.

My life is centered in my Savior. He’s enough. Thank you Lord for your sacrifice, for your grace and your support. You are all I need. You have set me free.

Now, if I can just get that across to my stomach!

Sheila Graham has a master’s of arts in religion from Azusa Pacific University and a master’s of arts in women’s studies in religion from Claremont Graduate University. Among her many published writings is her book From Fear to Faith, which includes personal accounts of discrimination against women in an authoritative, legalistic religious sect. From Fear to Faith is available on Amazon.com.