I recently came across something very interesting called “The Easy Rule of Life” (Ernie J. Zelinski, The Joy of Not Working). Zelinski writes about how, as we make choices in life, we can either do what’s easy and comfortable or what’s difficult and uncomfortable. Doing what’s easy and comfortable (which 90% of people will choose) ends up making life difficult. However, doing what’s difficult and uncomfortable will end up making life easy. Zelinski also points out that when we choose what is easy and comfortable, we end up in a rut, and “the only difference between a rut and a grave is the dimensions.”

            As I reflect on what Zelinski has to say, I find it to be absolutely true. I can give numerous examples of how choosing what seems easier and more comfortable ends up making life more difficult. At the same time, so many people in the Scriptures did what is difficult and uncomfortable, and as a result experienced life in all its fullness.

            Jesus, of course, would be a primary example. Where would we be if Jesus had chosen to do what is easy and comfortable? He could have lived a “normal” life, had a wife and children and died a natural death. However, all of us would be in a far bigger mess if Jesus had done this and failed to fulfill his purpose and mission on this earth.

            In the same way, we can think about the followers of Jesus, and of the Old Testament prophets, and of every person who was used by God in order to turn people’s hearts to God, or in order to save people. Every single one of them was asked to do things that were uncomfortable and difficult. While it probably can’t be said that their lives on earth were easy, the resulting vibrant and life-giving relationship with God carried them through every obstacle that they would encounter.

            I have to say that I have been just as guilty as the next person of falling into a rut. However, in a vibrant and life-giving relationship with God, there are always new things happening. A number of times, and especially in Isaiah, we hear about God doing “a new thing” (Is. 42:9; 43:19). There are also a number of times when God does something that had never been seen before. Why would we ever imagine that God would stop doing new things?

            At the same time, we can certainly say that following Jesus is never an easy and comfortable thing to do. During this season of Epiphany, we hear a number of stories about people who were called to follow Jesus – something that would not have been easy for any of them. They are faced with any number of difficult and uncomfortable things that they end up doing, and yet every single one of them would tell you that it was infinitely worth it!

            While we are not called to literally get up and follow Jesus in the same way, there are still things that God calls each and every one of us to do. Quite often it is something that is difficult and uncomfortable for us. However, God also provides the gifts we need to pursue our calling, as well as the abundant life that comes through a relationship with God in Christ. And so, can we jump out of the rut, and into abundant life?

                        In Christ,