“We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.” – C. Joybell C.
The subject of change has been on my mind a lot lately, mainly due to the fact that we’re in the process of selling our home and leaving the town we’ve loved for the last 20+ years for a place out in the country. We wouldn’t be too far away, just far enough that I wouldn’t be able to meet nearby friends at the local Mom and Pop restaurant for grits at 7:45 am. Okay, maybe it is too far.
A lot of people ask how we can know when God is up to something in our lives. For me, one indicator is when God takes me out of my comfort zone and I don’t even realize it until I look back on the situation. You see, I’ve never considered leaving this town I love. It’s a place where eternal friendships were forged. It’s where we raised our boys. It’s where I know people and they know me.
Is there any greater gift than to know…and be known?
When I consider moving to a place where familiar faces and places won’t surround me on a daily basis, there is an inkling of doubt, especially for this introverted soul of mine. And then God dots reminders of bigger pictures and plans at every turn, and doubt is swallowed whole because I know⎯and am known⎯by a God who is much more concerned about how I live rather than where I live. To step out into unfamiliar places is an act of faith, especially for those of us who aren’t the most adventurous of the bunch, preferring to settle in with the known rather than wrestle with the unknown.
So, are you ready to venture out of the known pond into the unknown oceans that await, confident that with the sovereign One by our side nothing in life is really unknown? Maybe for you, it’s not about changing a location. Maybe you’re venturing out into a new ministry? Entering a new role in life? Switching careers? The unknown will be different for us all but one question remains the same:
Will we step out in faith? I’d love to hear from you! What is one recent change that has been a good thing in your life? Or is there a way I can pray for you as consider venturing out from your own little known pond into the unknown?
Awesome post, Cathy! Love it and this is a powerful thought, “…preferring to settle in with the known rather than wrestle with the unknown.” Even for us adventurous types this can be hard on life’s journey. For me, this hit home recently. A current project I’m working on has switched gears and must be completely revamped. It would be so much more comfortable for me to just finish what I started. This unknown is a whole new challenge. But I’ve discovered it’s making me rely and trust in the Lord to do it through me. The unknown often brings us to a place of helplessness turning our hearts to God Himself. Thanks for this!
Karen, thanks so much for taking the time to share. I apologize for the delay. I was actually moving to the country in September! 🙂 I’ll be praying for your current project, trusting God for all the unknowns. I look forward to the project! Blessings, friend.
This is fantastic Cathy! Much of this year has been far, far out of my comfort zone. It was not by choice, but driven by my life circumstances. But you are so right about God’s reminders of bigger pictures and plans. Through this really hard year, he has made himself known. And He is good. Always.
Thank you for sharing, Kim. I’m sorry this has been such a hard year for you but praise God for how He has revealed Himself to you. Praying for you, and truly appreciate your taking the time to give Him glory in the midst of it all. Blessings!