Comfort Zones

It's amazing to me how God always seems to show us a little bit of the picture at a time and then after a while He brings it all together. Then He begins another picture. It's almost like a puzzle. He knows what the entire thing put together looks like, but all we see is one piece at a time. Once that puzzle is put together He starts another one. I can attest to this in my life.

In May I moved out of this big house, where I had 5 housemates and we always had people over, to a flat with just one other lady (Reza) and I. I loved the big house. We had so many get togethers with friends and such great times there, but I felt God was moving me into a quieter season where I could be more focused on Him and learn to be more intune with the Spirit. I was fine with living with Reza only, I was COMFORTABLE with leaving with Reza only. My friends were all still around me, so we could have coffee or dinner at any point, so I was fine with that. I was also really enjoying the quietness of our place and the times of studying I had with the Lord, but I was also enjoying the bonding with Reza and others when circumstances would allow. I was COMFORTABLE with this change.

At the end of June the National Youth Committee was voted in, with this Sarah and I were given our new instructions as to what we are to be doing. Since we have completed the Youth Leadership Training Seminar in every district, we are now to develop a Train the Trainers Program. In doing this though we are to have the national leadership help us formulate this training. Also, another part of our new direction is to assist the national leadership in anyway that is needed. Many of the National Leaders live in Guateng and our meetings usually take place in Roodeport. Thus, Sarah and I really felt that it was the will of God for us to move to a more central location.

When I thought of moving from Polokwane to Pretoria, Johannesburg area all I could do was cry. At first, I must admit, I was a little angry. I didn't want to have to move away from all of my friends. I have made such good friends in Polokwane. Also, my best friend Elviera who had been gone for 8 months working in America had just gotten back, and we had started praying together again at 4a everyday. I love the time I have with Elviera and how the Holy Spirit moves between us, it's so powerful! So anyway, this was definitely not COMFORTABLE!

I am reminded of the scripture in Matthew 16:24 "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and 'follow Me'." God doesn't always call us to do the things that are comfortable and the truth is normally it is uncomfortable. I find it so funny and interesting. I had just gotten comfortable in America working with "Our Kids" at Oasis and then God said, nope I want you in South Africa. Then once in South Africa, I had just gotten comfortable in Polokwane and God says, nope I want you in Johannesburg.

Now here is the thing it may not have been comfortable, but God's ways are always the best ways. Prov. 3:5,6 says "Trust in the Lord with all of you heart and lean not unto your own understandings, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." I have trusted in MY GOD with all of my heart, in every circumstance and I haven't followed my own understandings but I have acknowledged His leading and followed Him and He has NEVER let me down.

God has blessed me with a place to stay in Johannesburg. My friend Reza hooked me up with her aunt and uncle, and they opened up their house to me. They are a young married couple, who are also very passionate for the Lord. We spent Monday horseback riding together and just talking and learning about eachother the majority of the day. And to be honest I am so excited! They are so passionate about the Lord and in all of our conversations I can tell that mutual edification is definitely going to take place. I know God has a plan and a purpose.

All I see is a piece of the puzzle but that piece shows me that God is going to be doing awesome things! He never moves us out of our comfort zones just to make us uncomfortable, He always has a plan in it. So we must move when He says move and then listen as He begins to show us the plan in it.