uncomfort zone

The comfort zone is a dangerous place to be. I just think about people who have become comfortable in their "roles" in the church. We are creatures of habit and routine. I understand, believe me... I like having my routine. My daily grind helps me to evaluate what I get accomplished in a day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all routine is bad. I just think that allowing ourselves to get into a routine with our spirituality- getting into a comfort zone- can become hazardous to our health.

When I look at the ministry of Jesus I see a man who was constantly coaxing people out of the comfort zone of works-based religion and into the faith-based relationship of faith. He challenged us to come out to him amidst the uncertainty of the wind and the waves. Do you see it? Do you see what Jesus was showing us? He has told us that what we perceive as safe and secure is only illusion. There's greater security walking with him amidst the storm than there remaining in the bow of the boat.

I nearly didn't come to St. Charles because I wasn't able to visit and "check out" everything first. I like to know what I'm getting into, but this time I was stripped of that security blanket. I had to rely on prayer and faith. He enabled me to step out in faith and has blessed me greatly. My faith is developing and my involvement in the lives of the lost has never been more active than it is at this moment. The thing that excites me is that there is far more to come just over the horizon!

Please hear me when I say this- I'm not endorsing a reckless faith that says that God will bless my every whim. No. What I am saying is that we must live in the mystery of the guidance of God. As He leads, so shall we follow. We just shouldn't be surprised when God's call sounds out into an area that is untested... untried... Unbelievable.