Even in our age of instant communication, immediate knowledge of far-off events, and rapid travel, a certain amount of anxiety is still associated with long journeys. We may have concerns about safety while traveling or while in a foreign culture, feelings of inadequacy related to customs and language, or reservations about encountering the physical discomforts of jet lag, crowded public transportation, or unfamiliar beds and foods. We may experience new things-even some we would rather not; but we will most certainly miss our comfortable things and known routine.
History can only be made by those who go. They may go beyond the known limits of science, space, or thought; but only those who break out of the known and routine in pursuit of the unknown discover the new. And God is looking for those who will follow His call into new territory.
God stretches and matures us individually by calling us to leave our personal comfort zone in pursuit of His call on our lives. And God stretches and matures the church by raising up a few stalwart men and women who lead us corporately into new levels of understanding and spiritual depth. Think of the Reformers. Men who dared move boldly beyond the religious status quo, and consequently led the church to new glories. And think of the men and women who first stepped out in faith mission movements around the globe. People like William Carey, Hudson Taylor, Adoniram Judson, C.T. Studd, David Livingstone, Mary Slessor, and Lottie Moon gave their lives to missions when it was unpopular and dangerous, paving the way for the evangelical mission movement around the world today.
What is God calling you to, today? Whether it is to lead the church toward a more complete restoration of New Testament Christianity or to challenge you individually to a new level of personal faith, I know God is leading you beyond where you are! His way is "from glory to glory," "from faith to faith," from where you are to where He is leading!
Following God is always an adventure! I may be fearful, anxious, or concerned. And I may not know what to expect. But where He leads, I will follow.