Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

I can be stuck in my ways. I like to think of it as loyalty and commitment – staying true to what I like and what works for me. But too strong a stance in any direction can make us stubborn and inflexible.

For years now, my grocery store has been inconsistent in how it stocks its shelves. There can be a product and brand I’ve bought there for years, and suddenly, they don’t carry it anymore. It drives me nuts! Throw in the supply chain issues and I’m all out of sorts. Ultimately, I have to be grateful I have access to what I need even if it isn’t what I like.

Or so I thought…

To my surprise, I’m finding I like some of the new grocery options better than the old, something I never would have discovered if I weren’t forced into getting them. I’m finding something similar is happening in my personal and faith life too.

I never imagined I’d willingly hand my seventeen-year-old son the keys to my car and send him off without a second thought. Just the mere thought of it used to give me nightmares – imagining car accidents and tragedies left and right. But, my oh my, is it wonderful to have him run errands and drive his siblings to and from wherever they need to be.

I never imagined I’d be traveling around to churches giving presentations on my book. Public speaking isn’t in my comfort zone. But I desperately want to get this book into as many hands as possible to lead more people to God through it. Surprise, surprise! I’m absolutely loving my time with the people who attend who are yearning for God and need more peace. The experience has been incredibly gratifying!

The list goes on and on.

We can all be creatures of habit, doing things the same way we’ve always done them. But God knows when and how we need to grow. Whether we like it or not, He nudges, and sometimes pushes us to step out of our comfort zone. When we do, and do so in faith, leaning into Him in the unfamiliar, it’s amazing how often we’re pleasantly surprised and profoundly grateful for the change.

Questions for Reflection:

• Am I stuck in my ways, doing the same things the same way I’ve always done them?
• Do I feel God calling me to step out of my comfort zone? Can I do so in faith, leaning into Him in the unfamiliar?

P.S. – If you’re interested in having me come to your church, book club or faith group (in person or virtually), I would be honored and very excited! Contact me at clairemcgarrywrites@gmail.com.