The last Sunday (February 6th, 2022) turned 1 year I left Brazil. Reflecting here, this year was a year of change. We change country, culture, language, church, etc.! And stepping out of your comfort zone is painful. And in this scenario of how to act in the face of a new situation, I bring a reflection that I made.
The book of Exodus recounts how God sent plagues to free his people (the people of Israel) from the oppression of slavery in Egypt (I imagine opening a cage for the little bird to be freed!). God was changing the situation of a slave people, but with each challenge they faced, they complained and said that it was better to have stayed in the land of Egypt.
One of the parts that impressed me was in chapter 14, when the Egypt army cornered the Israelites on the shores of the Red Sea. They had nowhere to run and began to say that they should have stayed in Egypt. But it doesn’t stop there, our God acted with all his power! The Angel who protected the people and the column of cloud that led the people were moved to the rear of the crowd, separating the Israelites from the Egyptian army. The pillar of cloud was darkness for the Egyptian army, but light for the Israelites. Meanwhile, the sea parted, and God’s people crossed the sea on dry land.
Guess who I identified with?! With the Israelites people, of course!
Many times I said in my mind and out loud: “I miss Brazil, how I wish I could go back”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my country, but I just wanted to get back to my comfort zone.
Through reflection on the word, I realized that God has incredible plans for each of us, as well as the people of Israel. The moment the people saw the challenge of Egypt’s army in front of them, they wanted to return to Egypt’s comfort zone. But they should have looked at what God was doing.
In my opinion, they should have said, “God, you sent Moses and sent ten plagues on Egypt to deliver us, what are you going to do now with this army? What is the plan?”
Given the challenges, I also think I should have said, “God, you’ve brought me this far. I didn’t even dream of it, and it wasn’t easy, but you brought me. I have some new challenges here and I’m wanting my comfort zone. But, I know you have new things for me. What are you doing? What is the plan?” 
Now the conversation is with you my dear viewer!
Can you see the change in perspective? Our life is full of seasons. Challenges that take us out of our comfort zone will come, and we must trust in the Highest God who guides, protects, and directs us (just as He did with the Angel, with the cloud column and with the parting of the sea).
I found a verse in Philippians 3:13 that can help us through these changing seasons: “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.”
Are you out of your comfort zone?
What are you going to do about it?
Ps.: God has amazing and wonderful things for you to live. Have faith in His goodness and move on little bird!