Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. - Neal Donald Walsch
It's been a minute since I blogged about my learnings, experiences, and epiphanies. Maybe I've been too distracted to notice those things lately, to my dismay. This week I am trying to refocus on my growth and understanding of what God is teaching me and showing me through this new journey.
To be honest, I am looking forward to a change in scenery so that I am forced to see how God is moving and less on myself. We all get in those ruts where life seems to overtake us. I am definitely there. I know from past experiences that when I am out of my comfort zone I am more in-tune with God's direction and desire for my life. I am more acutely aware of His presence. This is obviously a weakness at home. I should be living like this in my comfort zone, but alas, I am very imperfect and need to continue to work on that.
I once thought that long term missionaries were more "spiritual" and better at their walk with Christ than normal Christians. While that is probably mostly true for all the missionaries that I have the privilege of knowing, I do not feel any extra spiritual now that I'm considered a missionary. I realize that more time spent out of comfort zones allows one to experience God in a different way, so seasoned missionaries may in fact have a leg up on some. But that isn't my point. What I am learning is that though the experience of stepping out of that comfort zone and trusting God with the plan, something changes. You don't have to leave the country or your county, for that matter, to get outside of that zone. It could be a frame of thought that keeps you in your comfort zone. What I know is that stepping outside is so worth it.
If stepping outside of your comfort zone is the first thing to experiencing God in a new way, then the second is trusting Him on the outside. Maybe the easier of the two is taking the step outside. For me it has been much harder to fully rely on God and His plan. It's not that I don't think He can do it. It's not that I'm worried about my safety. It's that I am not in control. (This is also something you've read from me before. Once again, imperfect. Still working on that.)
Here is a brief example of what God is teaching me about His timing and that He is in control of EVERYTHING...
A delay in an email caused me to postpone the purchasing of my plane ticket. I thought the price was going to be astronomical. I've flown a lot and know how these things work... Or do I? So I get the "all clear" and check the Delta flight schedule, that I now know by heart. Instead of seeing the number I expected, I saw one that was less by almost half! What? I was instantly reminded that God's timing is perfect and His plans are so much better than mine.
In a few weeks, my last Sunday at church, I am singing a special and have been looking for the perfect song to sing. A friend told me about Lauren Daigle. After listening to some of her music I landed on "Trust In You" and realized it's exactly what I have been learning and what I long to continue to learn. I encourage you to find the song online or come hear me sing it that Sunday, but I will leave you with the lyrics.
"Trust In You"
Lauren Daigle
Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I've tried to win this war I confess
My hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You're by my side
When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk though
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust in You, I will trust in You!
Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less
When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk though
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust in You, I will trust in You!
You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go, You've not already stood
When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk though
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust in You, I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
