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March 5, 2007
Staying in the True Comfort Zone
by Martha Cochran, Missionary to Japan
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee (Psalm 56:3).
Fear and anxiety can be devastating to the Christian woman. One of our basic needs is for security, and when that security is undermined, anxiety can easily take over. Even great men in the Bible, like David, Moses, and Paul needed a word from the Lord and the assurance of His presence when outside of their Òcomfort zones.Ó
Comfort zone one of the newer expressions in English, but one I have come to appreciate during this furlough. December marked my 35th year as a missionary in Japan , well over half of my life. When I stepped out of the airplane onto Japanese soil those many years ago, I stepped out of my comfort zone. Now the opposite is true: Japan is my comfort zone, and I stepped out of it when I came on furlough.
Although I have had sweet fellowship with supporting churches, the day to day challenges of American society, particularly in technology, have been numerous. I use cash almost exclusively in Japan , so every debit card machine here causes me anxiety. I found out that my cell phone had been set on Pacific time. All of my 9 PM calls were actually being charged as daytime calls. I got stuck in my sisterÕs locked car with the security alarm blaring, no way to get out. I was shocked to find out that sending a box by overnight shipping cost me five times the $15 I pay in Japan . I wondered how I could experience the blessings that I received by sharing my ministry with supporting churches, and then have such unsettling things happen almost daily.
David was often on the run, and wrote, ÒWhat time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.Ó A word from the Lord settled his fears. Moses said, ÒIf thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.Ó Again, a word from the Lord quieted his fears. When Paul was in prison out of his comfort zone the Lord stood by him and said, ÒBe of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.Ó A word from the Lord made all the difference.
There is a true zone of comfort for GodÕs children, no matter what circumstances may surround us. My comfort zone doesnÕt have to be Japan, it is WHEREVER when I am in GodÕs presence and attuned to His Word.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).
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