Way back in January, I was invited to serve on the Hospitality Team for the Klove Cruise. One morning during our devotion time, Bob Goff threw a medal from the stage and it landed at my feet. God whispered to my heart that this year would require bravery and courage. Eight months later I’m waking up in Canada and getting read to speak at my first international women’s event.

The night before I left, my ten year old begged me not to leave because “you’re the glue that holds this family together” and “who’s going to remind me to brush my teeth?” and “while you’re gone my hair will probably look like Napoleon Dynamite.” (Just a tad dramatic)

So upon departure, yeah, my heart needed a little courage. But God is a God who is faithful and promises to go with us on these new adventures that often require bravery and are sure to stretch us outside of our comfortable places (like a stay at home mama from Texas flying to Canada to deliver a word, encourage some hearts, and offer freedom to others who might be tempted to resist an assignment outside of their natural abilities and strength).

Responding to and answering the call of God, wherever it may lead us (across the oceans, to the ends of the earth, to our neighbor’s house, or to the neglected corners of our own community) is costly. Not might be, not could be, IS. It requires a surrendering of the things you hold the tightest. And just when you think you’ve trusted Him in all places, He tugs at a part of you still connected to your own confidence, strength, or ability to control.

I boarded my plane, (medal securely attached to my backpack, Joshua 1:9 strategically tucked into my heart), and stepped further into this new season God has called me to.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Steps of obedience are very often followed by blessings of bravery. A bravery not in and of ourselves, but in the One true and living God. He makes us brave with a courage confident in a God who goes before us and has already prepared the way. A God who knows all things and makes all things possible.

So, good morning from Canada!

Yesterday was quite the adventure, as my time in the airport usually is for some strange reason. After being delayed in Houston, I missed two connecting flights but finally made it to Canada.

From out of my uncomfortable places, I’m praying God will bring comfort and bravery to others. I’m praying He will be glorified and move among these women in this little camp hidden in the beautiful landscape of His own masterfully designed creation.

Because I think He has a way of calling us out to call others in. Calling us out of ourselves, out of this world, out of faithless living.

And into a realm of Kingdom living right here on this ground.

So, I’m breaking up with comfortable. It’s just not working anymore.

How about you? Are you hearing a call from deep within to step outside of the places you’ve been scared to move past? Those places that have kept your mouth shut? Those places that have prevented your feet from walking and your hands from being lifted in surrender?

I’m not just talking about getting on an airplane or speaking at a women’s retreat. There are more things inside of our comfortable zone holding us captive than we realize. Breaking up with comfortable could mean:

• Getting up earlier to spend those first moments with God
• Lifting hands in worship
• Discovering God in a new way
• Loving someone who is different than you
• Praying out loud
• Stepping into ministry in your home church
• Laying down some things God has asked you to lay down
• Starting a nonprofit community group for children
• Planning a fundraiser for a trip to Africa
• Saying yes to God (obedience in the thing He’s been asking you to do)
• Saying no to people (setting healthy boundaries)
• Inviting women into your home for a Bible study (or coffee)
• Taking a chance at friendship
• Getting up and starting over after you blew it  . . . again
• Pushing through the pain of transition
• Leaving an old season
• Forgiving someone who hurt you

No matter what it is that’s stretching you outside of your comfortable place, God has already gone before you and prepared the way. Go ahead, break up with comfortable.

What is God is asking you to do that is outside of your comfortable place?