The Comfort Zone

GETTING STARTED

Russell Kelso Carter “was a star athlete of a military academy and was an excellent student”—a picture of youthful health and intelligence. Though he professed Christ most of his comfortable life, it was a near tragic heart condition that awakened him to the power of trusting God and the hope we have in God’s promises. At age 30, Carter prayed and “made a promise that healing or not, his life was finally and forever, fully consecrated to Christ.” His poetic words have become a source of hope to thousands who, through doubt and pain, have found strength in the sure promises of God. You’ve probably sung the hymn Kelso wrote, Standing on the Promises, and found the same encouragement.

  • When life is great, do you remember God’s faithfulness and trust him implicitly, no matter what may come?

READ THE WORD: JOSHUA 24:1-13 (ESV)

24:1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. 3 Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan, and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac. 4 And to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. And I gave Esau the hill country of Seir to possess, but Jacob and his children went down to Egypt. 5 And I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt with what I did in the midst of it, and afterward I brought you out.

6 “‘Then I brought your fathers out of Egypt, and you came to the sea. And the Egyptians pursued your fathers with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. 7 And when they cried to the Lord, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians and made the sea come upon them and cover them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt. And you lived in the wilderness a long time. 8 Then I brought you to the land of the Amorites, who lived on the other side of the Jordan. They fought with you, and I gave them into your hand, and you took possession of their land, and I destroyed them before you. 9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. And he sent and invited Balaam the son of Beor to curse you, 10 but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand. 11 And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, and the leaders of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And I gave them into your hand. 12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow. 13 I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’

[1] Connie Ruth Christiansen, “The Story Behind the Song – Standing on the Promises,” Share Faith, http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/standing-on-the-promises-the-song-and-the-story.html (accessed 19 Aug. 2014).

2 Ibid.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Who was speaking and on whose behalf was he speaking?
  2. The Lord, through Joshua, was giving a brief synopsis of the story of Israel—its history from inception to the present. Why do you think this would be important as they settled in the Promised Land?
  3. Why was it important for them to remember that they didn’t receive all of this by their sword or by their bow, and that the vineyards that they would eat from they did not plant? Who gave them these things?
  4. Think back on your history. Feel free to go back a generation or two. How have you seen the hand of God directing and working in you and your family over the years? If he has led you to this place, at this time, will he not lead you in the future? Should you have concern about your future, or will you trust the sure hand of God?

RESPOND TO GOD

Safety. Comfort. Settling down. “If I can just get these couple of things worked out, then life will be smooth sailing!” This is what the human heart longs for, but it may well be the most dangerous place spiritually. The children of Israel are ready to enjoy the Promised Land and settle down for a beautiful, quiet life. No more wilderness. No more manna. No more sand and heat and pain and suffering. It’s just smooth sailing from here on out. But, God’s caution is stern. Do not forget who brought you to this place, or the mighty miracles that ensured your new home. God gives good gifts to bring us into relationship with him—a relationship that we can have in the good times AND in the difficult times. 

  • Take a moment to remember God’s leading in your life.
  • Give him thanks for his all-encompassing strength, love, grace, and friendship.