Why stepping out for God is worth it:

Is God prompting you to take a leap of faith? Could He be asking you to step out of your comfortable life? If so, take some time today, in a moment of stillness and dive into Genesis 31.

In verses 11 through 18, we encounter this narrative:

11 Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am!’ 12 And he said, ‘Lift up your eyes and see, all the goats that mate with the flock are striped, spotted, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.’”

Genesis 31:11-13 (ESV)

Rachel and Leah respond.

Following this encounter, Rachel and Leah reveal their next step, and the reason behind it.

“Is there any portion or inheritance left to us in our father’s house? 15 Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and he has indeed devoured our money. 16 All the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.”

17 So Jacob arose and set his sons and his wives on camels. 18 He drove away all his livestock, all his property that he had gained, the livestock in his possession that he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to the land of Canaan to his father Isaac.

Genesis 31:14b-18 (ESV)

Perhaps Rachel and Leah’s response strikes you as odd; it seems to be, “There’s nothing left for us here, so why not follow God?”

What if life were flourishing for Rachel and Leah? Would they still be as willing to move on if their father had ample wealth to care for them? Maybe their response would mirror a common pattern that we would expect.

Reflect on your own life.

How often do we ignore God’s guidance when we’re comfortable? In contrast, we can be more eager to embrace new opportunities in times of trouble or hardship.

In many ways, taking a step of faith to follow God when life is stable and comfortable appears to be a more significant challenge.

Author Donald Miller points to this concept in his book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years“:

“…I realized how much of our lives are spent trying to avoid conflict. Half the commercials on television are selling us something that will make life easier. Part of me wonders if our stories aren’t being stolen by the easy life.”

Miller, 2009, 186

Maybe you have a decision to make.

Maybe God is urging you to take a step of faith out of your comfortable life. Unlike Rachel and Leah, you might find yourself in a place of stability, which makes your decision far less straightforward.

Regardless of life’s current comfort, the challenge is to accept God’s call and take that step of faith. Whatever God is pointing you toward, walk forward without hesitation.

Join the Conversation, Share Your Thoughts

• How is God calling you at this moment?
• How is He asking you to step out of comfort?