Don't Get Comfortable Here
Good morning, beautiful.
Following what feels right instead of seeking God's direction can lead us down paths we may not have otherwise taken. This is why it is important to discern where God is leading us rather than allowing our own desires, assumptions, or comfort to determine our steps. Our decisions rarely affect only us. Regardless of our relationship status, the way we respond to God can influence our friends, coworkers, spouse, family, strangers, and even generations to come.
Following God may not always be easy, especially when His direction challenges what feels familiar. But as we will soon see in Jacob's story, God can call us back to where we need to be. Our response begins with the posture of our hearts: Are we willing to listen, surrender, and follow when He redirects us?
Learn to release your need for control and trust the One who shepherds you, knowing that His direction is worthy of your trust.
This morning, I want to remind you that obedience may stretch you, challenge you, and require you to surrender things you would rather hold on to, but it also creates opportunities for you to know God more deeply and be transformed by Him. Trust His leading, even when the path looks different from the one you would have chosen.
Sincerely,
Your Friend
A Moment to Reflect
"Then God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother."
Genesis 35:1
Jacob’s journey reminds us that we can settle in one place while God is still calling us somewhere else. How often do we become so comfortable with where we are that we lose sight of where God is calling us? How often do we settle into what feels right without considering whether it aligns with His direction? Like Jacob, we can find ourselves in places that require God to redirect us. And while God is gracious to lead us back to His purpose, our choices can still carry consequences along the way.
Before God instructed Jacob in Genesis 35:1² to return to Bethel, Jacob had settled in Succoth (Genesis 33:17)¹ and later made his home near Shechem (Genesis 33:18)¹. In Genesis 34, we witness the painful events that unfold in Shechem, reminding us that our lives can take unexpected turns and lead us into seasons we never anticipated. And when we find ourselves in difficult places, we may begin to wonder where God is and whether we have strayed from where He is calling us.
Comfort is enticing, and we must be careful not to allow it to become a substitute for obedience. Throughout Scripture, we see how difficult it can be to surrender what feels familiar or secure in exchange for what God is asking of us. The Israelites struggled to trust God as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus because he was unwilling to surrender his possessions (Matthew 19:16–22). Even among the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, some struggled to recognize Him because their expectations and interests stood in the way.
There is so much we can miss when we choose what feels comfortable over what God is asking of us. And I can tell you firsthand that choosing obedience over comfort is often easier said than done. Sometimes obedience requires us to surrender our plans, release our need for control, and trust God when we cannot see what lies ahead.
Jacob’s obedience involved more than returning to Bethel (read Genesis 35); it was an opportunity to grow in his relationship with God and trust His promises, even when life unfolded differently than expected. We, too, are called to follow God’s direction and allow Him to shape us along the way. Ultimately, choosing obedience over comfort is not just about where God leads us, but who He transforms us to become.
Whispers Between You and God
Your season of singleness is about so much more than waiting on God. He is inviting you to partciapte in the healing process. I believe He may be calling you to take a step that feels uncomfortable, but trust that He can use that step to lead you with purpose.
There is grace to return. And Bethel is still waiting.
Pause for a moment to write down your thoughts
Is there a part of your life where you have chosen what feels familiar instead of following where God is leading?
What comfort zones have you created that may be keeping you from deeper trust in God?
Study Resources
Guzik, D. (n.d.). Genesis 33 – The meeting of Jacob and Esau. Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/genesis-33/
Guzik, D. (n.d.). Genesis 35 – Revival in Jacob’s life. Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/genesis-35/
Are you ready to take the next step?
You are doing all of the right things, but let’s take it a step further. Healing is the work of allowing God to transform what is happening within you, not just changing what is happening around you. This book invites you to slow down, examine your heart, and embrace the woman God is continuing to shape you into.
Don’t just keep doing the right things, give yourself permission to become whole in the process.
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