Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls you to move beyond comfort

When God calls you to move beyond your place of comfort
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” –Exodus 3:4 (NIV)

I’ve always found comfort in writing. I kept a diary as a child and journaled as a young adult.

However, about five years ago, something changed. I felt God calling me to write with purpose and encourage women in their faith walk with Jesus Christ by sharing my stories. But lately, I’ve wondered if I’m getting too comfortable.

I have a favorite armchair in a cozy corner of our family room in our home. Each time, I settle in, put my feet up, slowly sink into its welcoming arms, and heave a big sigh. This is where I talk with Jesus every morning. I read the Bible and listen for His voice—all in the comfort of my little corner, in my favorite chair.

During my quiet time, I feel safe and secure amid the chaos of life. I talk with God, and He speaks to me through His Word and His presence. I wonder if I’ve become so comfortable that it prevents me from living the abundant life Christ wants me to live. Is it possible that an excess of comfort is a breeding ground for complacency?

Not long ago, I sensed God’s nudge regarding my writing because I kept it to myself. I’d been writing for quite a while but hadn’t shared it with anyone except my husband. It felt as though God gently tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Colleen, you need to share this with others.” I was terrified. Sharing my writing with others felt like bearing my soul through an intercom for all the world to hear. Once words take flight, they can’t be unheard or unread. What if I mess this up?

A few days passed, and reality took over. Realizing God didn’t ask me to read my writing on stage to a crowded auditorium, I got a grip on my fears. He asked me to share my pages with two trusted friends. They were kind, encouraging, and supportive. If I hadn’t taken that first step, no one would be reading these words now.

A few weeks later, I was reading chapter three in the Bible book of Exodus where Moses was tending to his flock. Suddenly, his attention was captured by a bush on fire. But oddly, even though the fire continued to rage on, the bush never burned to the ground. Moses approached the bush to get a closer look, and something remarkable happened! He heard God call his name.

When Moses left his comfortable position with the flock and walked toward the flames, God showed him that the bush was on fire but wasn’t being consumed. If Moses hadn’t taken those first steps of faith, he might never have been had such a powerful relationship with God. However, Moses took those brave steps and God used him to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.

When I feel my love for what’s comfortable is holding me prisoner, it’s time to walk toward the holy fire of God. He wants to free us from the false sense of security the enemy provides. God saved me from becoming an “armchair Christian” as I’d call it, by giving me the faith and courage to leave my cozy chair and take action. He can do the same for each of us.

When we ask the Jesus Christ for courage, we’re able to take steps of faith and move outside of our comfort zones. As we become aware of God’s presence, we also gain the benefit of His leadership and our mission.

Let’s Pray: Dear Father God, I ask You to continue to give me the courage to step over my self-imposed boundaries and take action. Give me the faith to live a life of abundance. Position my heart to align with yours and open my ears to hear your calling on my life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He’s Calling You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Will Go” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Alone in the Presence” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a follower of Jesus Christ, educator and writer. She lives with her husband in the Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are relentless and the winters are a little slice of Heaven. 

Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. This degree opened opportunities to write science curriculum, develop district programs, work with Arizona teachers, community leaders, and more. With NASA Grant funding, she was also able to work with teachers all over the country and expand their knowledge of teaching science as a collaborative effort.

Over the last few years God has placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith walk with Him. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, Colleen believes that if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will see the heart of God.

Colleen’s writing has been published in the following online publications: Living By Design, Her View From Home, Inside Out Worldwide, Inkspirations, and in anthologies like From Ruins to Restoration, Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions of Bold Faith, and The Miracle of Prayer. She is a monthly blogger for Dressing in God’s Love.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com