Have you noticed how often God calls us out of our comfort zone?
Like happened with Abraham. He was seventy-five when God called him to a new place. At the time, he wasn’t seeking an escape. He had no need to go somewhere new. In fact, he had every reason to stay right where he was. He lived in the prosperous city of Harran. His family was there. His flocks were there. His life was there.
And God said: Leave it all behind — your country, your people, even your family — and go to the land that I tell you. [Genesis 12:1-4]
Abraham’s call reminds us that you’re never too established for God to challenge you to reach a little further and move toward something more.
ANNA MARY’S STORY
Anna Mary Robertson worked on a farm as a live-in housekeeper for many years. This was back in the 19th century. At the age of 27, she married another farm-worker. They spent their lives working on various farms, raising their own family.
Anna Mary loved art, decorating, and especially embroidery. As a hobby, she created pieces for friends and family.
By the time she was in her seventies, arthritis made it difficult to embroider. So she took up oil painting — mostly landscapes, holidays, and old-timey scenes. Then her paintings began to sell, and people began to notice.
Anna’s maiden name was Robertson, but of course, now she had her husband’s last name: Moses.
And because of her age, the media referred to her as Grandma Moses. The name stuck.
During her lifetime, her fame grew and her paintings began to sell for thousands of dollars. Today they sell for as much as a million.
And her career began when she was 76.
What do these stories have in common? You never know when the call — or the opportunity — will come your way to take the next step into something new.
But don’t think this is about age.
Here’s what this is about. With God, no matter where you are right now, there’s always more to come. If you’re willing, you can move beyond the familiar into a greater experience with Him.
How might God call us out of our comfort zone today?
– Maybe to spend more time in prayer than ever before.
– Maybe to study the Word more than ever before.
– Maybe to start something new. To write. Or create. Or seek a new place to serve.
This invitation to “more” never expires. God calls us out of our complacency every day into a deeper walk with Him.
