Novaturient Pathways

Is your comfort zone the best place to be?

When I look back at my life, I see several moments where I was thrust way out of my comfort zone:

-when I left the US with just a few pieces of luggage and headed to Africa to live for two years in a mud house
-when I found out I was pregnant with my first child
-when I was put on bedrest for two months during my second pregnancy
-when my family fell apart with conflict
-when my husband found out his job was sending us to the UK
-when my husband took a sabbatical, quitting his job without knowing when the next paycheck would come

In each of these moments, I remember how hard things were, but I also look back with such fondness because while each of these circumstances were challenging, they also mark a period of significant personal growth.

Because I was willing to step outside of my comfort zone, I grew in resiliency and confidence. I learned to trust in God for healing, provision, friendship, and comfort. I learned more about my own emotions and needs. I learned how to ask for help, how to love others well, and how to say 'no.'

I think we all need a moment now and then to visit our comfort zones to catch a breath. But, I don't believe that this is where we are meant to live. As followers of Jesus we are meant to live bold, courageous lives.

When is the last time you felt the thrill of a new faith adventure? Is it time to step out of your comfort zone? What is God asking you to do?

Food for thought this weekend:

What would radical grace look like in your relationships?
How would you conversation change if you were relentless about truth?
In what ways would your life be transformed by resolute holiness?

These are all big things. These types of answers do no come quickly, but if you take the time to discover the answers, life as you know it will change.

The purpose of life is to know Him and make Him known, right? Yet I often get distracted from this pure and lovely calling.

I find myself suddenly overwhelmed with fear and worry. I spend time contemplating the 'what-if's' and the 'should-have's.' I spend my time trying to figure it out, make it work, get it done. My to do list becomes greater than my prayer list and I suddenly realize that I fall short.

But when I pause and allow my perspective to once again focus on Jesus, I see it again, with clarity. It's not about what I do, it's about where I abide. It's not about wondering, it's about resting. It's about Jesus, plain and simple.

No matter what today brings- whatever joy or heartache, if I abide in Christ then I will be at peace. If I allow myself to stay within His shadow, then I can rest.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. Come what may, my eyes are fixed.