Out of the Comfort Zone

"Appearances are deceptive.  The fact that we cannot see what God is doing does not mean that he is doing nothing" (Sinclair Ferguson)

 

Today's scripture is from Esther, a woman named, by God, the Queen of Persia and placed in a position of honor.  Coming from being just a young Jewish girl, being a queen was a bit out of her comfort zone.  But God had a plan far bigger than her remaining just a queen.  The King of Persia at the time did not know his queen was a Jew and he signed a decree to destroy the current Jews living in their kingdom.  She had to make a decision as to whether or not to stand up for her people knowing full well she would be stepping way out of her comfort zone.  One thing was for sure though, she needed Gods help.  To prepare for what she had to do she fasted and prayed and asked those around her to as well.  She knew "... that she couldn't rely on the comfort of her position; she had to rely on the comfort of God's power and sovereignty".  

"Don't think for a moment that you will escape there in the palace when when all other Jews are killed.  If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die.  What's more who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?" 
       Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me.  Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.  My maids and I will do the same.  And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king.  If I must die, I am willing to die."

                                                       Esther 4: 13-16

 

Now, Karol Ladd did not include how this ended. I am going to have to do some research and reading to find out what happens to Esther.  What I do know is that she was walking in uncharted territory and risking a lot to stand up for her people.  She relied on herself and God alone to get her through it.  Something we as moms have a hard time doing sometimes. We want to do it all, or feel like we should. 

 

It would be so nice to live in a world where we are all safe and sound with all of our ducks neatly in a row.  But we all have times when we are stretched by our circumstances or forced to step out of our comfort zones.  I admittedly, had a hard time relating stepping out of my comfort zone in regards to being a mom so far.  I mean, I guess childbirth has been the most uncomfortable situation thus far, making the decision to work full time Paxtons first year of life or maybe standing up for certain beliefs I have about raising babies.  In the department of motherhood I just haven't had that moment I clearly remember when I had to step out of my comfort zone... it's felt pretty natural so far.  Oh but wait... then I thought about pre school next year.  This has been a tough one for me.  Ultimately we decided Pax needs and is going to want to be in a pre school type program next year so as of Sept 2013, I will have to step out of my comfort zone 2 days a week when he goes to "school" from 9-1.  :) 

 

Seriously though... I know there will come a day and for some of you it already has or maybe you're living it right now... where as moms we are going to have to step out of our comfort zones for the sake of our kids, marriages, jobs, etc.  We should learn from Esther that we can place our trust with God, pray for his help and make a wise plan of action that best fits our family's needs. 

 

Choices:

- This week I will choose to trust God's sovereign plan for my life and my kids' lives. 

- This week I will choose to accept the fact that I may be pulled out of my comfort   

  zone. 

- This week I will choose to pray for wisdom for the steps I am to take.

 

Prayer: (From Karol Ladd)

"Lord, I praise you, because you have plans for my life that are far bigger than I know.  Thank you that no matter what I go through, you are with me. No matter where I am, you are there.  In the nice, comfy times and in the stretching, scary times, you never leave me.  Please grant me strength and wisdom to walk the path that you have set before me, and bring me safely to the other side.  In Jesus's name I pray, amen."

 

Like I said in the beginning, today's devotional really just served as a good reminder for me.  I know I will face things as a mom requiring me to step out of my comfort zone - I am so at peace knowing that I won't be alone.  God will be with me and he is also with You!

 

Have a great week!