Get Up and Go

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12: 1, NIV).

Where’s your favorite place to sit in your home? You know what I’m talking about. The place you go when you need some quiet, comfort, and relaxation. It might be your couch, snuggled up with your favorite blanket. Or maybe it’s kicked back in your La-Z-Boy with your drink and favorite snacks within arms reach. For me, that place is in my living room. You can often find me nestled in my chair under my favorite blanket, coffee beside me on the table, my Bible, journal, and whatever other book I’m reading set out on the ottoman. Everything I need to be comfortable.

I was in my cozy spot one morning recently chatting with a friend. I was sharing with her that I’d done something to my right arm, but couldn’t quite put my finger on what may have caused the pain. Almost immediately, she pinpointed the probable cause as my “fight” with the lawnmower that had occurred a couple of days prior. Why that never dawned on me before, I have no idea. As we continued our conversation, my friend began asking all the right questions in regard to what I had done to help with the pain. Specifically, she asked about whether or not I had iced my arm. Valid question and, as a physical therapist, one I would almost always ask any patient of mine. Well, as you might guess, my answer was no. Then, it happened. She used my full name on the other end of the phone. “Katherine Marie! Get yourself up and put some ice on your arm.” I laughed hysterically, and then, I put up a fight. I didn’t want to get up. I was so comfortable.

Whoa. Isn’t our Christian walk often like that? We choose comfort because it’s easy. It’s what we know. How many of you have been there before? I know I’m not the only one. Comfort, while a blessing, can also often create a struggle. Many times, and as was the case for me that morning, we choose to suffer simply because we don’t want to disrupt our current situation. I had immediate and easy access to something that would help decrease my pain, yet I was choosing to resist because it would require me to step away from what was comfortable.

So, let’s go back to my initial question and ponder that a bit more, except this time, not in the physical realm. I think it’s fair for all of us to look at our lives and ask what places we have allowed ourselves to fall into routine and habit? What are the areas where you’ve felt the Lord calling you out of your comfort zone and into something that feels risky? Maybe it’s that house you’ve been thinking about buying. Maybe it’s that job you’ve considered taking. Maybe it’s launching a small business. Maybe it’s saying yes to adopting or becoming a foster parent. For me, it’s been my writing.

The Lord has been pursuing and pushing me to take a leap of faith with my writing for a long time. Actually, this summer marks three years since I first created this site. Pretty hard to believe when I stop and think about how long it has been. I remember the initial stages of spending time with a close friend who was supporting me and encouraging me to step out into this calling. Interestingly enough, the first post I shared on my site was titled “Stepping Out” because I realized I was doing just that. I wasn’t sure about taking that step, but that’s where faith came into the picture. I had prayed, talked to trusted friends, waited, prayed, waited some more, and, eventually, The Narrow Path was born.

I created the site, but one thing led to another, and I was always finding an excuse not to devote enough time to my writing. And then, only a few weeks later, I found myself facing a very difficult season in my life. One in which the Lord would walk with me through some major challenges, force me to lean into Him, take a long look at my heart and break through some of the bondages that were keeping me from my calling. I am not recommending that we make choices rashly and without proper prayer and guidance. I am, however, through my own experience, reminding you that when we say yes to the Lord, we will face opposition from the enemy. But thankfully, as followers of Christ, we have immediate access to the Holy Spirit who will guide us every step of the way.

As we look to Genesis 12, we are reminded of how God called Abraham, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Though we don’t know exactly where the Lord is leading us, we can cling to the truth that He is good and He has great plans for every single one of us. I’d be willing to bet many of you have something on your heart you’ve felt the Lord nudging you about. Maybe it’s been recent, or maybe it’s something you’ve been pushing down for a very long time, hoping to keep it beneath the surface so as not to disrupt your routine. But, as my friend reminded me recently, sometimes we just have to get up and go. I venture to say that if we choose to remain in our comfort, we will often miss our calling. So I ask, comfort vs. calling, which will you choose?

July 4th marked three years since The Narrow Path was created. When I look back, I am overwhelmed by all the work God has done in my heart and in my life. The path was not easy, and it was one I’d not known before. It required faith and trust. It forced me to face a whole lot of pain, but I am so thankful I chose to go. It has taken me nearly three years to get to the point of truly saying yes to what I’ve prayed about for a long time. And I’ve come to realize it’s not just about my writing, but rather, it’s about Him calling me to share my stories of how God has been and continues to transform my heart into one that is after His.

P.S. I did eventually get up and go get that ice pack. I am oh so thankful for friends who encourage me to take care of myself so that I can continue to go where He is calling me.