Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls us out of our comfort zone

The Comfort Zone
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” —Mark 10:49 (ESV)

There is much talk these days about the comfort zone.

It is considered to be a space you create. A place where you feel safe and secure in the midst of this big, bad world. Maybe you travel the same way to work every day because it’s familiar. Maybe you shop at the same grocery store because you know the contents of every aisle. But let’s look a little deeper.

Is it possible God might be calling you to a life outside of the secure walls you have built for yourself?

Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sell all your belongings and head for the South American jungle to spread the gospel. Although God plants that desire into the hearts of some, He has also equipped them to thrive in the environment of the jungle. However, I’ll bet the thought of selling your home and going to some remote village in the middle of nowhere was the first thing that crossed your mind.

Sometimes God calls you to get up and step out of your comfort zone. He urges you to venture into the uncomfortable zone that leads you to freedom. Perhaps you need to move. Your current house payments feel like a chain around your neck and put unnecessary strain on your finances. Moving could create financial freedom. Maybe your job situation is stealing you away from your family and chipping away pieces of your soul. Are you willing to place the sign in the yard or give your boss a two-week notice? Be aware, both these steps require the courage to take action and a huge dose of faith.

The world doesn’t make this easy. It’s human nature to place our security in the arms of what’s familiar. However, making a lateral move into something you already know only mimics security.

As followers of Jesus Christ, our security is found in Him alone. God’s Word is filled with ordinary people just like us, people who stepped outside of their comfort zone and accomplished extraordinary things through Christ. Let’s take a peek into a slice of time in the life of one of God’s people.

In Exodus 3:1-4, we find Moses as he is tending to the flock. Suddenly his attention is captured by a bush that’s on fire. But oddly, even though the fire rages, the bush is not consumed! So, Moses walks over to get a closer look and then it happens. Moses literally hears God call his name out loud, “Moses! Here I am.”

Did you notice what happened there? Moses left his familiar position with the flock and walked toward the flames. This is a seriously brave move. I think all Moses had in mind was to see why the bush wasn’t burning up. But he got way more than he bargained for by taking action. He took a few steps forward.

If you feel familiarity is holding you prisoner, maybe it’s time to walk toward the fire. God wants to set you free from the false sense of security the enemy places before you. Ask Jesus for the courage to take a few steps of faith and place yourself outside of your comfort zone. Step over the self-imposed boundary and lean in, be aware of God’s presence and seek the light that sets your soul on fire.

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and remember that He has prepared a path just for you. He has equipped you with all you need. Every story has to start somewhere. Let your next adventure begin!

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Give me ears to hear what You are calling me to do. Show me a glimpse of your plans. Equip me with the courage to step forward and move out of the boundaries of my comfort zone. Fill me with faith to step over what’s holding me back and guide my path in alignment with your plans.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He’s Calling You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Glorious Unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Outside These Walls” by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

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 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.

~*~
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.

~*~
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.

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Arise

Arise: Learning to be comfortable with what God has called you to do
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” 

– Isaiah 60:1 (ESV)

Since 2014, on January 1st, God has given me a new word to define my year:

Hope (2014)

Change (2015)

Authority (2016)

Restore (2017)

Victorious (2018)

Trust (2019)

And every year, on New Year’s Eve (December 31), I try to cheat by trying to find out what my word will be before New Year’s Day (January 1) or by giving God ideas of what I think my word should be.

This year (2020) was no different. I found myself asking, “God, will my word be Brave? Can you give me a hint? What difference does a few hours make?”

God never gives in to my attempts to cheat. I imagine Him smiling as He tells me, “You know the drill. You’ll find out at midnight on January 1.”

This year I brought in the new year with friends. We ate an enormous amount of food, played board games and had an indoor “snowball” fight. It was so much fun that I forgot about my desire to know my word for the year. As I got into the car to go home past midnight, God said to me, “Your word for the year is Arise.”

This word stopped me in my tracks. “Arise?” I asked, quite stunned.

“Yes. Arise.”

I pondered this word for a moment, still not quite sure of what to think about it. Then I smiled.

“Okay, Arise it is. I like it!”

Since January 1, this year has felt like a whirlwind. I didn’t have much time to sit down and study my word out of the year until recently.

I love to break words down and study them out. When I found a free moment, I plopped down in my favorite chair, grabbed a chai latte and dug into all things Arise. Here’s what I discovered: Arise as defined by my favorite gal pal (Merriam Webster) means, "to begin to occur or to exist: to come into being or to attention, to get up or stand up, to move upward."

Arise requires movement. A stepping up. Not staying in the same place.

Renouncing the old and embracing the new. Changing levels.

Arise scared me.

I don’t know about you but I love being comfortable. I love routine and LOVE when things don’t change. There is a sense of safety in all these things. To arise, to walk out the word that God gave me to define my year, would require movement. Stepping up. Change. Things that I feared. Things that weren’t comfortable or required a ton of trust. Things that wouldn’t allow me to hide anymore.

As I fleshed this word out, God brought this verse Isaiah 60:1 (ESV) to me: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

We can be so tempted to stay hidden for fear of failure, or what others think. We can embrace remaining comfortable or disdain change because we fear moving forward. I think what causes us to feel this way is that we forget who is inside us. We forget God is walking with us, lighting our way.

God is our light.

God fills us with His glory.

Therefore, we must get up, move forward in what He has for us and shine so that others may see Him.

When God is asking you to arise, whether it is a new job, relationship or parenthood, He knows the plans he has for you and He knows your potential. With God, we can’t fail. So friend, take that step. Move toward that scary thing that you want to do. Arise. Shine and remember, the glory of the Lord is with you.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA. 

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and hopes to launch her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Words

Courage, Fear, and Joy
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” 

~Psalm 32:24 (KJV)

I have mentioned before, I believe, that my word for 2018 was courage. And that I had no idea how much I would need when the year began. But, as we near 2019, I’d like to think I acted courageously to the many new adventures God placed in my path. The lesson I’ve learned this year is this: When we have the courage to do what God asks of us, joy comes along on the heels of fear. And the beauty of the joy far outweighs the momentary fear.

God has asked me to step out of my comfort zone time and time again this year. He has asked me to face several fears head-on, with my head high, my shoulders erect, and His hand in mine. He has not once failed me. He has not once left me. I have felt his presence in the midst of my sadness. And in the midst of the unknown. He has helped me when I thought the fear of what lay ahead might crush me, might stomp me and leave me for dust. 

Though I am far from perfect, I have felt His face shining down on me, heard His voice whispering to me, and seen the glory of His will reach into the tendrils of the decisions we’ve made together. I have found pieces of myself I didn’t know were missing this time last year, and I am painstakingly trying to put them back into place—with His guidance as the master puzzle-builder. All the while, learning new things about myself and this wonderful, loving God I serve along the way. 

Isn’t it amazing that I have “known” Him for nearly 20 years now and still learn something new every single day? I have read the Bible diligently (almost) every morning for six years now, completely through at least once that I know of (I’m ashamed to say it isn’t more), and yet every day He shows me something I hadn’t seen before.

We serve a good God. A just God. A wonderfully merciful God.

If I can take anything away from the experiences of 2018, it will be that God has indeed given me the courage to do things I deemed improbable and, at times, impossible. And He has allowed me to find my joy when I thought I’d never see it again. I wake up early now, before the sun is up most mornings, and watch as the day grows gray out my window. My dad has been telling me for years it is a magical time of day, and now I finally understand why. I never thought I could enjoy waking at 5 o'clock in the morning so much. (Though, I do really look forward to those often-hoped-for but not-always-accomplished midday naps.) there is so much joy in the little things. Like the sunrise or the anticipation for another glorious day. Like the first cup of coffee and the first words my son speaks in the morning. The first hugs I get from my daughters each morning and the first prayers that leave my heart.

I could look back at my year and focus on the problems, but I choose not to. It’s a choice I make several times a day. I’ve had a good year. Ups and downs alike. Goods and bads, sorrows and, most importantly, those moments of joy. Two weeks before Christmas, I have found the puzzle piece holding my smile, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I am thanking Him for the trials, for the lessons learned, and for giving me the courage to try new things and face new obstacles this year. If my word for 2019 is courage once again, I am okay with that. Because I know He is already there and I have hope in Him.

I pray each and every one of you has a blessed, magical Christmas and a safe New Year. Let’s go into 2019 praying, trusting Him, and with the determination to let Him lead, no matter how scary it feels. My newest favorite song says, “My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in Your love.” What a perfect motto for 2019—and for the rest of my life.

Listen to Josh Baldwin’s “Stand in Your Love” on YouTube here. I promise it will bring a smile to your face. It does mine, every time I hear it.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers.

Her debut novel, Callum's Compass, won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Sara's story about stepping out on faith

Be of Good Cheer
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

"But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." ~Matthew 14:27 (KJV)

Has God ever asked you to do something scary? Something intimidating? Something so far out of your comfort zone you can’t even see your bubble of safety anymore? 

He has me. A few times now. And man, have I been scared standing at the beginning of those particular new jobs, often wondering why, Lord? Why me? How does my willingness in this area of life play into the bigger picture? What will I learn through this experience?

The truth is, though, that we don’t need to know the why, how, and what. When God asks, we should simply go. Easier said than done, right? 

I very highly doubt that the men and women in the Bible wanted to walk into the middle of a wilderness with no provisions whatsoever. Or that Peter wanted to step out of the safety of that boat to tread atop the water with Jesus. In fact, even the fleshly part of Jesus, the part that felt the agony and the pain, didn’t want to be crucified. He prayed for strength, though, and was willing to walk the line His Heavenly Father had laid out for him. I’m thankful I don’t have to suffer like He did. To this point, every job God has given me has blessed me beyond measure and only added to the joy in my life. 

As I write this, I realize I’m standing on the cusp of walking into the unknown. Just like the men and women of the Bible, God has asked me to do something for Him. I’ve accepted the call and I board a flight on Monday morning to literally fly all the way across the world. I’m leaving my babies, my husband, my every day, routine life to do something scary. Intimidating. Way, way far outside my comfort zone. 

But I know I will be okay, because Jesus is whispering in my heart that I should not be afraid. “Be of good cheer, child, there’s a reason you were called. There’s a reason you must go. There’s a reason, a plan, a puzzle piece that needs to be placed. By you.”

By the time you read this devotional, I will be on a plane headed home. I don’t know what the next two weeks hold for me, but I do know that I trust Him completely. I will have stories to share, photos to show off, and goodies to give to my family when I return. But more than that I have a feeling I will be different. 

With each tear I shed, joy or exhaustion or homesickness, I know they will be making me who God needs me to be for the next step in this journey. I will go and be of good cheer. I will not be afraid. Will you? 

~*~
Author Bio:

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers.

Her debut novel Callum's Compass won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.