As a child, I grew up in an environment that there was constant interaction with people from different cultures and races.   This environment was the extrovert’s dream.  However, doing that season of my life I was shy and reserved.  I just did not know how to or for that matter want to interact with people I did not know. In my mind, it would put me at the centre of attention which was the opposite of where I was comfortable.   Little did I know at the time that this environment was the perfect training ground for my adult life. However, God knew what I would face later on in life and so He carefully planned my growing years so that I could cope with the present where interactions with people from various backgrounds is my everyday reality. 

King David too was shaped by his early environment in preparation for his future roles.   As the youngest child (like me) he spent a lot of time by himself in the field tending sheep.  This experience was crucial to his future: one and one with God Almighty himself, perfected his singing and playing skills, his sling swinging skills, ability to survive in the open, fighting skills, bravery, speaking skills and we could go on.

God, therefore, knows what is down the road for us and carefully plans what it takes to push us out of our comfort zone so that we are better equipped to handle the future.   GUESS WHAT THOUGH! This comfort zone business is not just a one time thing!  God constantly assesses  who and where we are and knowing what type of competencies and skills we need for ahead, pushes us in that direction.  We are being shaped in the likeness of his son Jesus Christ and so whatever it takes to get us there will be done. 

SO! What changes are we being called by God to make today? What has shifted under our feet recently that has upset the apple cart?  Is it Hurricane Sandy?  Is it a job loss? A relationship gone sour? Or like David, the Lord’s anointing has caused jealous among those close to you and the one you will ultimately succeed?  Whatever it is, be encouraged today and know that the Lord is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you can ask or think, according to his power that works within us (Eph3:20). He knows the way we take and goes on before us.

PRAYER

Father we often rebel when things change around us especially when they don’t appear to be what is necessary for our development.  But Lord your thoughts are higher than our thoughts and your ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8) and you know what is best for us.  As you shift our comfort zone, give us a glimpse of the bigger picture that you have in store for us as you make us in the likeness of Jesus Christ our big brother.   Amen.