TODAY’S INSPIRATION: COMFORT ZONE…

I am a living witness that often God calls us to follow in paths we would not have chosen for ourselves, especially when it takes us out of our comfort zone. It is not easy going from familiar to unfamiliar. Walking into unknown territory is scary. However, when it is God that is leading us, we can rest assured He has given us everything we need inside of us to make the journey. God does the planning; we do the preparing. Without change there is no growth. The truth is we cannot fulfill our calling in our comfort zone. Be ready for the next level that God takes you to. He will clear the path for you, removing obstacles and placing divine connections to help you along the way. If we keep our focus on Christ, we will be victorious. He is with us every step of the way!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13) NIV

“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16) KJV

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) NIV

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6) NIV

You may ask why is it scary when God is with us? Why are there so many problems when we are being led by God? The answer is the enemy also knows we are being led by God. He knows that God’s plan is for us to prosper and grow spiritually in Christ. God’s plan is to give us hope and everlasting life. The enemy is intent on stopping all God has for us by any means necessary! Scripture tells us how satan tried to tempt Jesus so he could destroy God’s plan for us to be delivered from sin and death. Christ does not have a sin nature as we do. Christ’s temptation was an outward exposure to satan’s ploys. (Mathew 4:1-11) This is nothing new, he started with Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:1-5). Scripture also tells us how Jesus himself suffered and died for us. We are called and given the privilege to suffer for His name sake. In 2 Timothy 3:13, Paul tells Timothy that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Jesus also said that those who follow Him will be persecuted for his name sake. (Matthew 10:2) He said in this world we will have trials and tribulations. The good news is no matter how hard he tries, the enemy cannot win. Weapons will form, but they will not prosper!  

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) ESV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) NIV

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17) NKJV

Isaiah 54:17 should reassure us that we can leave our comfort zone knowing that God has our back. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, His sacrifice at the cross gives us the victory over any circumstance or situation the enemy may throw at us. Yes, it can be scary leaving our comfort zone but if we keep our focus on Christ we will be victorious. We must walk by faith and not by sight. God will do the rest. We can look forward to a future full 0f His promises, blessings, and protection. When God is with us we can be comfortable in every zone! Love and Blessings…

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6)