Session 13

How to be comfortable with change

From Numbers: A 5-Week Devotional

We may not all fear change, but most of us would say change is something we would rather avoid.

If we do something long enough, we’ll inevitably begin to choose comfort over change. When we live in our comfort zone, we know what we’re doing, we can predict what’s coming, and everything just seems to flow.

Maybe you’ve experienced this at work. You’ve been in the same job so long, you feel like you’re going through the motions. Maybe you’ve been in the same relationship for so long, you can predict the other person’s mood and finish his or her sentences.

The comfort zone is where Israel found themselves in Numbers 13. When Moses sent spies to Canaan, they saw a land flowing with milk and honey but were hesitant to move in and take over. The spies feared the giants currently occupying the land. It was like they had been wandering so long, they forgot God had already promised them the land.

We find ourselves in a similar place when we allow our comfort to stop us from moving into the change God has for us next. When faced with our own giants — whether they come in the form of new opportunities or new responsibilities — we have a choice to focus on what we are able to do or what God is able to do.

Caleb, the only one of the spies to suggest they move forward, defends his position in the next chapter saying, “... do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us” (Numbers 14:9).

Fear will always lead us to doubt. Focusing on God’s promises and character will give us the confidence to follow through on what He’s called us to. God is going to go before us. The question is whether we’ll follow through in faith or stay where we are out of fear.  

Reflect:

• How do you respond to seasons of change?
• Is there any area of your life where you’re avoiding change because you’re comfortable?
• What’s one way that focusing on God’s character gives you confidence?