I sat in my cozy living room chair one afternoon, staring at the book that lay in my hands. What I thought would be an easy read with some simple, practical advice had turned into an eye-opening experience. I stared at the words that had pierced my heart…one simple question that really dug deep into my soul.
“Are you where you are in life because you want to be there, or are you there because it is easy and comfortable?”
I already knew the answer. I already knew what I needed to do to make a change in my life. What I needed now was the courage and strength to do it. I was at a crossroads in my life, and I knew I needed to make a choice. At that point in my life, I had been in a job I wasn’t passionate about for several years. I’d stayed at my job because I was good at it, because it paid well, and because it was close to my home, but not because I enjoyed it. Staying in a job I disliked was comfortable, and definitely easier than stepping out and taking a risk by switching careers.
But all of that changed after I read that book. After a lot of soul searching and prayer, I decided that my happiness was worth the risk. I finally mustered up enough courage to make a change and quit my job, and I never looked back.
Was it easy? No!
Did things go the way I expected them to? Definitely not!!
Would I do it again? Yes!!! I have done it again. Time and time again I’ve been forced to step out of my comfort zone and make life-changing decisions. I’ve left jobs, homes, states, churches, and even relationships behind in order to improve my life. Each time it has been scary and every decision has been met with obstacles, but in the long run it has been so worth it. Time and time again God has proven His faithfulness to me, and He has led me each step of the way. It has been through the hard times that I’ve learned to put my faith in God and not people, finances, or circumstances.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NLT) You see, God has always shown up when I needed Him. When I start to sink into the worries of this world, it is His arm of strength that pulls me from the raging waters. It is when I’m at my weakest that I’m forced to rely solely on God for strength. Only then can I truly appreciate the power that only He can give me. It’s through my trials that His glory is revealed.
If I hadn’t made these important life-changing decisions, not only would I have missed out on opportunities to grow closer to God, but I also would have missed out on many of His blessings. I wouldn’t have married my husband, discovered hidden talents, met wonderful friends, or started this blog if I hadn’t taken steps of faith in my life. Trusting God has led me to these blessings, and I’m so glad I decided to take the risk!
Are you at a crossroads in your life? What changes do you want to make in your life today? What’s holding you back? Remember that even when we are weak, He is strong. Will you take a risk and rely on God’s strength to get you through? Why not take a step of faith today? I bet you’ll be glad you took a risk, too!
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