Pursuing What’s Uncomfortable

Focus Verse: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

A while back I was praying for a new opportunity in my life, I needed a change from what I was used to, what was comfortable to me. But after an opportunity for change presented itself, I started to become skeptical. Yes, this was something that I prayed about, but was I really ready for it? Was I ready to forfeit being comfortable for change? Was I ready to leave what I know behind to pursue something new?

These were all questions that I had to consider. After talking to a friend about it, she made it perfectly clear, “you are forfeiting change for comfortability.” We see the Children of Isreal consistently struggling with this throughout the Old Testament. Their struggle begins in Exodus and does not end until Joshua, when they are actually in the land that God promised them, see Exodus 3:17.

How many of us consistently make decisions based on how comfortable or uncomfortable we will be? How many times have you decided against pursuing something because it’s not what you’re used to or would cause you to operate outside of what you consider safe? Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with considering what the best option is, as a matter of fact, that’s exactly what should happen. However, when we start making our decisions whether we should pursue something based on how uncomfortable we will be while pursuing it, we also forfeit the blessings that come after that initial pursuit. A blessing that far supersedes the uncomfortable period.

Is there a new job or business opportunity that you have been thinking about pursuing? What about a relationship that God has been speaking to you about pursuing or reconciling? FYI: It didn’t have to take the Children of Israel as long as it did to get to their promise land. How long will it take you?

Prayer: Most gracious Father, thank You so much for this reminder. There are so many dreams and goals that I have, but sometimes, after realizing what it takes to accomplish them, I choose not to pursue them. Please forgive me, Father. Help me to see that the uncomfortable period does not last forever and the blessings that follow will be so great that uncomfortable won’t matter. As I pursue what I know You have called me to, I will give You all the glory. In the name of Jesus, Amen!