ARE WE TOO COMFORTABLE FOR OUR OWN GOOD?

We know how easy it is to want comfort in all of our everyday situations. Rather, may we desire the comfort of His Word and presence in even the worst of situations, those considered uncomfortable by worldly standards.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES             by Sally Bair

Our comfort zone

Wild animals are not couch potatoes. They may look comfortable when lying still in their chosen nest, but they know it’s only for a time. After a needed rest, they must get up and search for their next meal.

We humans usually know enough to get up after a night’s sleep or nap so we can go back to work, school, or whatever task calls to us. At least we should know enough. Sometimes we don’t. A couch potato life can be tempting. No worries, no discomfort, no hardships. However, no progress in bettering our lives, either.

Living an existence of ease threatens our progress much more than does hardship. But leaving our comfort zone may not be easy. Not knowing what lies ahead can cause anxiety and fear at the thought of losing our sense of security. We may ask: Am I really qualified for that job? Will I be able to find my way? Will someone hurt me … reject me … ignore me?

The trouble with staying in our comfort zone is that we rob ourselves of wonderful, unexpected blessings and memories. We rob ourselves of meeting new people, learning new skills and finding new ways to enjoy life.

Abraham must have been comfortable living with his family in Ur of the Chaldeans. The city was believed to be located beside the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, an area of lush abundance. Who wouldn’t like to live forever in a place of natural beauty, a place where nature provided everything one might desire?

Abraham could have stayed in Ur. But being a God-fearing man, he listened when God spoke. “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:1-2)

Abraham was seventy-five years old and comfortable within his extended family unit. He could have refused God’s command because of possible hardships that might appear on his long journey. His uncharted trip could have been hot, miserable, long and fraught with dangers on all sides. The threat of wild animals, desolation and lack of food or water would stop many of us in our tracks.

But Abraham, believing God’s promise, felt compelled to obey God despite probable discomfort ahead and despite lack of a plan. His risk was great; his rewards greater. Ours can be, too.

Lord, thank You for promising blessings from obedience. Reveal to us any comfort zones that keep us from following You, even through unknown territory. In Jesus’ name, amen.