Rain

Stepping Out Into the Uncomfortable

Question-

When have you ventured into something that you knew would make you uncomfortable but once you were in it, you were so glad you stepped out?

Rain….

I don’t enjoy it, especially when I’m out on a run. Something about it just takes me out of my “I’m faster than anyone” mindset. 

One morning this week I awoke early and decided to get my exercise before the forecasted rain began to fall. It was dry when I headed out but half way down my street the rain drops started to careen off my face. I felt a slight sense of deflation and irritation as I put my head down. I chose to press on knowing the thrill of finishing would far outweigh the comfort of turning back. 

Soon, the rain became more persistent and my head and clothes were soaked through and through. Just keeping my eyes open amidst the crashing drops was a chore. As I kept my pace and my strides resulted in miles gained, a sense of exhilaration and even, I dare say joy, entered in. I actually found the act of running in the rain an experience that was refreshing. The world became alive around me. What was a cloudy, gloomy day before, suddenly became new and promising in just a few minutes. The half hour it took to complete the route was a transition from old to new.

Often times we stand at the door of a challenge that God has before us and we debate whether or not to leave the comfort of the world we know and trust. We have a choice to enter into something that is out of our control and allow potential small and even large irritants to disrupt our lives. There is no guarantee that when we step out it will be what we hoped for, but the possibility of something greater urges us on.

In Romans 5 located in the Message version we read these words written by Paul. “By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.”

There are many opportunities in our day and week where God is wanting us to "throw open our doors" and literally and figuratively trust Him. The irony is that right now so many doors both physically and emotionally are closed in our world due to fear. Trying to get those doors to open again could be a very big challenge in itself.

God still moves even when we don’t want to. The key is to try and stay on pace with how and where He is going. To follow Him will not be easy and will take us far out of our comfort zones. When we do, the adventure, exhilaration, joy, as well as the inconvenience, frustration and exhaustion that come with it are our reward.

Just like running in the rain. It's not what I wanted at first, but in the end it was the best thing to happen to me.

Question - What door/challenge is God wanting you to open/take in your life right now?

Prayer - Heavenly Father, thank you for pushing us into the unknown. Help us to trust you, even when things are uncomfortable and we don't feel safe. Help us to know that you are there and you have great plans for us. Thank you for loving us and stretching us. 

Amen