Walking Away from my Safety Zone

Yesterday at work my boss shared a devotion on the missionary journeys of Paul. There were many lessons to be had that struck a chord with me, but one in particular stayed with me all day, through the night, and remains this morning.

On Paul's first missionary journey, John Mark, who was with Paul and Barnabas, left and  returned to Jerusalem. Later, he wants to rejoin the group, but Paul says "No." Perhaps Paul didn't want a quitter on the team. Knowing the treacherous terrain, the potential for danger, even death, and the huge undertaking of the journey, Paul needed a reliable man.

As it turns out, Barnabas goes with John Mark and Silas teams up with Paul. Two missionary teams. Two directions and more man power to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

My boss and the group discussed the possibility that God intended there to be these two groups. I can see that. But is it possible, also, that John Mark stepped out of God's will when he left? I don't know. What I do know is God's plans always go through. God doesn't need our compliance to accomplish His goals, He will use a willing servant and His work will be done.

What has been on my mind is the possibility that John Mark made a mistake. Maybe even a huge mistake. Perhaps he was being led by the flesh when he left and not by the Holy Spirit. The thing is, the Bible doesn't tell us.

What I get from that scenario, and what remains in my mind and brings me great comfort is this:

When we step outside of God's will, he doesn't throw us to the curb. He doesn't say "Oh, you screwed up and now you are of no use to me."

Did God know John Mark would depart? Certainly. He knows our very words before they are even on our tongue. Yikes! That both comforts and frightens me.

As I look back over my life as a Christian, I see a lot more John Mark than Paul. I see a lot more leaving and seeking the comfort of the familiar. I'm not being hard on myself, just honest. God knows all about it, why should I pretend?

I also see how God has always welcomed me back into His will, back to work and back into the blessing of fellowship with Him. He is never finished with me. My biggest mistakes (and there are many) are never too big for His mercy and grace.

Mercy and grace. God has it in an eternal, magnificent supply. It could never be contained. Boy do I need it. I seek it, I long for it and I am even greedy for it. Me: a flawed, abandoning, comfort-seeking child of a perfect, staying, powerful God.

Today, I seek to walk in the will of God. Likely, my journey will not be dangerous or as uncertain as the missionary journeys of Paul. Nevertheless, I will seek to walk away from my safety zone on earth and into the only true safety zone of the Father's arms. In my life of familiar things, I am less safe than in the arms of a Father that may lead me to places I would never go on my own.