See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

Many “several years ago” when I had a hard body and long hair, I did some mountain climbing and rock climbing. During those times, I heard many climbers making pleas and promises to God such as: “Help me, Jesus! Lord, if you just get me off this mountain, I promise I will never do this again.” Sometimes during climbing the fear level on a Richter scale of 1 to 10 can be a 25.

Once during a climb, our experienced, lead climber, suggested I do something I had never done before----rappelling, to be able to view the face of the cliff below us. He explained how he would tie himself to a tree above the cliff and belay (secure me by a rope around his body) so that I could lower myself down over the cliff edge. As I backed over the cliff edge, my feet kept grabbing at my comfort zone of soil beneath my feet. My friend who was belaying me shouted, “Trust the rope!” When I did as instructed and left my comfort zone, I got to experience one of the most exhilarating adventures of my life---to view and dance on the stunningly beautiful, vertical, rock face of the mountain. 

This was and still is a benchmark moment for me. When God calls me to do a new thing that requires me to leave my comfort zone, I imagine Him shouting, “TRUST ME!” To say, “no,” to His call will cause me to miss out on blessings, joy, obedience, and experiencing the “new thing” my Almighty God is planning for my life.

God always empowers those He calls. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your  heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.’ (Jeremiah 29:10-14).  

To what perceived safety or comfort are you clinging or grabbing at that is preventing you from answering, “Yes, Lord,” to God’s invitation to experience the “new thing” He has planned for you? You can TRUST HIM. HE LOVES YOU.

Claudia Jackson