From Comfort Zone to Challenge Zone

UV 1605/10000 From Comfort Zone to Challenge Zone
And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
Jeremiah 32 v 39

The shortest distance between two points are two hearts beating at the same frequency or two minds in perfect agreement. God promises to give those who believe and trust Him one heart and one mind. They are given the heart of Jesus- the heart of compassion. They are given one way-the way of Jesus. The way of Jesus is to share love with all. Like sponges we should absorb as much love of Jesus that is possible and keep squeezing it out before beginning the absorption again by studying the word.

To fear God is to be wise for it means that we will do our best to avoid evil and pursue the good. To be good and to do good is both rewarding and rewarded even as being evil and doing it is both punishing and punished. When we revere God, we humble ourselves before Him. When we humble ourselves before Him, He increases us in knowledge, wisdom and understanding. We increase in grace or divine favour. The favour of God lasts a lifetime and three generations – of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are blessed.

To fear God is not to doubt the truth of His word. Adam and Eve were tempted to doubt the Word of God. They were therefore deceived into not believing God. We believe God and therefore, we trust His Word. We ought not to be deceived ever again into believing the counterfeit of truth. God desires to do good to us and to ours. He does not want to harm us or hurt us. But He does expect us to respect His name, His presence and His Word. We do not pray and then hope but we first hope for something and then we are led to pray about it. Our bodies love pleasure and comfort while our minds and hearts love challenge and are willing to endure hardship in order to confront and overcome the challenge. Our biblical values enable us to move out of our comfort zone into our challenge zone as often as possible and to remain there as long as possible before withdrawing into the comfort zone for rest and recuperation.
Prateep V Philip