Routine is what I like. Routine is comfortable. Routine is known. Routine is easy. Routine is regular. Routine is what I like. Lately the Lord is calling me to some new areas, and I’ve had trouble embracing and accepting the new.
“Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
As a creature of habit, I always like to sit on same end seat of the same red leather couch that is in our small group room on Sunday mornings. We meet in a cozy fireside room furnished by a local furniture company with some ultra comfortable seating. For years I’ve sat in that same spot. Two weeks ago when I walked into the room, there was a blue leather chair where the red leather couch has always been. Now, that may not be a big deal for you; but for me, I wasn’t sure what to do. I always sat in the same spot and if I moved to another sofa, that might be a spot a friend usually sits in. Eventually I did slowly walk toward the new chair and deposited my coat and passed by to hug a friend in small group (secretly hoping that maybe when I turned around my red leather couch will be back in it’s place.) No, it did not move. So I joined my coat and hesitatingly sat down in the blue leather chair. I had a hard time focusing because mentally I was making a list of why I did not like this new chair:
It was new to me.
I like my red leather couch.
It is a chair, not a couch.
There was no room for all my family and loved ones in this chair.
I like the red couch.
I know the comfort of the red couch.
I was not comfortable.
I do not like change.
Last week I was thrilled to see the red couch back in it’s spot and I sat down quite quickly. Oh so pleased that I was back into my routine of the right seat, at the right place, at the right time. Just as I like it. But, something was not right. You know that feeling the Lord allows when He is calling you to something new and you choose the safe, the known, the same old thing that you’ve always been doing?
The Lord and I had church right there on that red couch before the class even got around the room to finish our prayer requests. Yes, I was back on the comfortable red couch. The comfortable red couch that I’ve always chosen as my seat. The comfortable red couch that allows me to sit with others that are my friends and loved ones. But in my heart, I know God is calling me to some new things. Without a doubt, He moved us to a new area. He is at work in our family. He is calling me to do some new things for Him. Areas where I do not feel comfortable. Areas where I feel that I am alone; but I’m not – He is always with me. And I can’t go back to the same old red couch and be comfortable when He is calling me to the new, the blue, the Faithful, the true.
Lord, I think I get the visual now
It’s taken me so long and I’ve furrowed my brow
Hesitant I’ve been at the thought of trying something new
But Lord, I want to do what You alone call me to do
Help me Lord to get off the comfort of the red couch
And as I stand to take Your courage, help me not to slouch
I want to do whatever new You call me to
I know that You are faithful, loyal, true blue
Help me Lord to not hedge my life with comfort and routine
But be willing to walk by faith and follow You, though unseen
Knowing that with You Lord, I’m never alone
You’ll lead me and guide me till You call me home.
In the Precious, Holy Name of the Eternal King, Amen.
Sometimes we get stuck in the familiar. Get those feet moving!B
LOVED this post!! Amen!!!
Your words describe my husband to a T (and his name is Tom!) The Lord has been working something new out in him too…thank you for expressing yourself so beautifully here!
B, as I wrote post, I thought so much of the sweet package, kind words and incredible print you sent me. Pray my feet do move!
Patty, I appreciate you and thank the Lord for your kind words! Hugs to you across the miles.
Lina, thank you for sharing – I somehow find comfort in knowing that I’m not alone in my creature comforts. I so want to enjoy the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I pray that Tom experiences the Lord’s goodness too!
Beautiful post Lora! Isn’t it funny how we all seem to find our favorite places and routines? Praying that you will hear God’s voice regarding any changes in direction.
Blessings,
Adrienne
Dearest Lora,
Are we ONE or what? Our hearts are so linked in the LORD. I pray that He allows us to MEET while here but if not we will surely meet in glory together and praise the Lord up close.
Your message is as if you were literally inside my head, my heart and my life!!! I shared a message a while ago titled: My way or the highway? No deal! It’s GOD’s way all the way!!
It truly has to do with getting out from what’s comfortable combined with waiting on the Lord and doing what His will is even when we don’t necessary understand the journey. We can trust the journey because GOD is ordering our steps! Amen!
I stand in agreement with the prayer you prayed. I can so relate to the red couch but in my life it’s other things but manifests the same way.
Thank you for your prayers and love and always your encouragement. You are such a sweet sister truly.
May the favor of our LORD rest upon you and your sweet family.
Love you.
Very interesting Lora. This blog made me think about my life for a reason God will show me.
Love,
Victoria
P.S. Thanks for the recipes! I have made the creamed chicken and the lemon glazed muffins! Yum!
I am just like you when it comes to being comfortable. Take us out of our comfort level and we grow leaps and bounds!! So maybe it is the growing pains that make us uncomfortable and even a little scared. Afterwards though, I am always glad I “went there.”
Looking forward to seeing where God takes you!
Adrienne, I appreciate your prayer Siesta!
Lisa, we are of the same spirit and I agree about our hearts being linked in the LORD. What glory it would be to meet. I will stop by and read “My way or the highway”.
Victoria, I’m blessed that you are looking to God for His reasons! And so glad you enjoyed the recipes.
Luanne, your afterwards thought encouraged me. May I be able to say I’m glad I went there too!
Great post Lora. From one who lives in the safe zone, but also really needs to branch out. Thanks for the reminder.