I Am Not Leaving My Comfort Zone!

Have you ever found yourself living in a ‘comfort zone?’ You don’t want to step out of it for fear of the unknown – you sit in the same spot, go to the same restaurants, keep the same job, talk with the same people, and follow the same routine. These habits bring a false security in a chaotic, sinful world; producing feelings of safety and contentment.

* What happens when your restaurant closes?

* What happens when your job ceases?

* What happens when friends and family fade away?

* What happens when there’s financial loss?

* What happens when there’s betrayal?

* What happens when jobs are grueling or nonexistent?

* What happens when you lose a house?

* What happens when there’s illness?

* What happens when there’s death?

* What happens when your spouse is living/working miles away?

* What happens when there’s loneliness?

BOOM! Your shelter crumbles. You’re robbed of happiness. You’re not sure where to turn. You crawl deeper into a shell creating a smaller ‘comfort zone.’

Is it healthy to live in such a comfort zone? I think not, and you most likely agree! Have you heard the advice, “Life begins living once you step out of your comfort zone.”? Living with securities generated from this kind of sheltered life could stifle creativity, growth, and courage. Not my securities! My life began when I discovered a comfort zone and refused to leave.  Now, I am empowered and experience joy in the storms!!!!

As a believer, my Father is always present, and He knows the best path for me (and for you!) I can walk under His umbrella, or choose to walk away – listening to my own logic or others. My God, my Savior, my Spirit – He is my comfort zone. Each time I experienced a “What happens…” from above, God has provided exactly what I needed. He is my shelter, joy, friend, courage, provider, strength, healer, comforter, and hope. Living in (and trusting) my comfort zone of being a child of God empowers me to withstand and overcome each storm, to try something new, and to embrace change.

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

                   Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

This is where I remain. Do I ever leave my comfort zone? Foolishly, yes. Although, with each weathered storm, growth, and miracle; I run more rapidly and readily to God. Try it. As you repeatedly choose Christ as your comfort zone, you will recognize when you’ve stepped out, and will eagerly run back into His arms.

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

    I have no good apart from you.”

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;

    in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

                      Psalm 16: 1,2,7,8,11 (ESV)

                                                                   ~Jenny~

Wherever You Lead, I’ll Go

   "Take up thy cross and follow Me,"

    I heard my Master say;

    "I gave My life to ransom thee,

    Surrender your all today."

   Wherever He leads I'll go,

   Wherever He leads I'll go; 

   I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,

   Wherever He leads I'll go.

   He drew me closer to His side,

   I sought His will to know,

   And in that will I now abide,

   Wherever He leads I'll go.

   It may be thro' the shadows dim,

   Or o'er the stormy sea,

   I take my cross and follow Him,

   Wherever He leadeth me.

   My heart, my life, my all I bring

   To Christ who loves me so;

   He is my Master, Lord, and King,

   Wherever He leads I'll go.

How appropriate to sing this song Sunday night. In this season of job searching, our family’s heart desire has remained in Youngsville, NC, although we have declared to go if God leads us elsewhere. God’s amazing hand has been evident in our family being here; including a church (body) and neighborhood we ALL love. Our home we moved into one year ago was definitely a gift from God. I love that the couple who lived here had it built and lived in it for twenty years; we moved into it our twentieth year of marriage.  Jobs have not panned out locally, and at the moment Tim has two very good possibilities out of state.

One job brings us to Florida. We will soon be travelling down for a two day, ride around, interview; a sign of serious interest. Another strong possibility moves us to Texas. Tim’s three stages of interviews went well, and he will know within two weeks. Texas, really? We consider pros and cons with both of these, but of course, we know wherever God provides will be good. Our hearts still long for Youngsville, but I hate to admit more and more my heart holds attitudes of comfort and peace in regards to moving. My feelings that God has us here are not as strong. I ponder - is He changing my heart, or am I accepting whatever He provides? I certainly hope the latter proves true.

Settled in my mind that our family would likely be making a move, yesterday (Monday) a local job arises again. Tim will soon be interviewing for a multi-unit position here. Hmmm… Florida, Texas, North Carolina – what if all three made offers? Oh, God! We are praying and waiting for Your provision and the discernment to know which direction. You know our hearts, but ultimately we want what You know is best for us. Wherever You lead, we will joyfully follow! "As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” (Luke 9:57 NIV)

                                                      ~ Jenny ~