J.P. Morgan once said, “The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” Although it is very true, that decision isn’t always easy. I have written before about overcoming inertia and taking a first step. It is our comfort zone that causes our resistance to change. My wife was very organized and methodical. It was very important for her to get into a comfortable routine. Any change on the job or at home would cause her a lot of stress until she could make the change a part of her new routine. During our 50 years of marriage I agonized with her through many changes; large and small.
My pastor recently described how a mother eagle prepares her young nestlings to leave the nest and learn to fly. The first thing she does is to remove all soft materials from the nest making it uncomfortable for them. It is much easier for us to make the decision to no longer stay where we are when that place becomes uncomfortable. Have you ever felt God removing some of the comfort from your comfort zone? I have!
There has also been a time when I knew God had finally planted me where He wanted me to be, but He still wanted me to continue to grow and learn why He wanted me there. My last full time employer was by far my longest one and my last position with them lasted 17 years. Training and encouraging new employees was definitely where I could have the most positive impact. All of the changes that I went through before that were just preparing me for that opportunity.
Once, I heard a comedian say, “I always wanted to be somebody. Now I realize I should have been more specific.” So it is with getting somewhere. We need to get to the specific place God wants us to be and where serving Him will be most effective. God will continue to open doors for you until you arrive at exactly where He wants you to serve Him. Just don’t get so comfortable along the way that you miss a door He has opened for you. Transitions may be rough at times but believe me the end result is worth it all when you are finally planted by the Master. As satisfying as that situation is, don’t forget that it is not your final destination. There is an even greater reward for those of us who follow Jesus every step of the way.