God operates outside of your comfort zone
I’m going to be honest: I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I like it when things are done my way. Anyone else feel the same? 🙋🏻♂️
But over time, I’ve learned that my strong preferences, when held too tightly, can become a hindrance, especially when it comes to following God.
Proverbs reminds us not to become too stubborn:
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. – Proverbs 12:15
Sometimes, wisdom looks like letting go—even of the things we’re convinced are “right.”
We need to be able to surrender our Preferences. This is especially true in our relationship with God. I can’t tell you how many times God has “messed” with my plans, for the better.
Has it ever happened to you?
Thankfully, we’re in good company when it comes to people who had to surrender their preferences to make room for God’s purpose:- Joseph probably would’ve preferred not being sold into slavery or thrown into prison. But through those hardships, God positioned him to save entire nations from famine. (Genesis 37-50)
- I’m sure Mary would’ve rather her first pregnancy happened after marriage, and I assume she’d have preferred giving birth in a bed instead of a stable. Yet, she became the mother of the Messiah, fulfilling ancient prophecy. (Luke 1-2)
- Jonah had zero desire to go to Nineveh; in fact, he actively ran the other way! But God used him to bring an entire city to repentance, sparking what was quite possibly the largest revival in history (Jonah 1-4)
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
For some reason, God seems to love working outside our comfort zones.
Take some time today to ask God if there are preferences, plans, dreams or desires in your heart that He is asking you to surrender. Trust God that His way is always better!
