The Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV))
Almost every summer I have vacationed on family property on a lake in Maine. I love to swim, but the lake temperature never warms up to the temperature of the air. As a child this didn’t bother me; I could run in without caring or even feeling the coolness of the water. Now I find myself more cautious, slowly walking in one step at a time. I already know the water will be chilly, but I also know that it will feel good once I’m in. With only one foot in the water, however, I have trouble focusing on the benefits of the swim.
As I reflected on this scenario, God showed me that I pull back from change in the same way when God leads me out of my comfort zone. One time it was starting a home business so I could stay home with my children. Another time it was taking online classes even though I had been out of school for many years. In both situations I had the goal in mind but hesitated to commit fully — just as I did when entering the cold lake.
To experience the abundant life God wants for me (see John 10:10), I can’t always stay in my comfort zone. Rather than facing change with fear, I want to press forward with perseverance, eager to follow God’s next steps for my life.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Dear Lord, help us to follow you even when we feel uncomfortable or fearful. We want to trust you with our lives. Amen.
TODAY'S READING: Isaiah 43:14-21 (Complete Jewish Bible).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Today I will embrace the changes God is placing before me.
PRAYER FOCUS: Stay-At-Home Parents
READ MORE: Link2Life - July 3
Link2Life - July 3
JULY 3, 2018 BY NAOMI FATA (NEW YORK)
RELATED DEVOTIONALS: OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE
The lake
Naomi and her daughter
Naomi and her son
Naomi on the lake
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