Women
Jesus makes this absolutely clear when He says that: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Human beings crave new experiences. As much as many of us find comfort in things staying the same and remaining predictable, too many days of the exact same routine and too many moments that bear a striking resemblance to the last can stir anyone to seek something a little different. New experiences are what make life exciting and worth living. If we did not constantly encounter new challenges, meet new people, or do new things, then our lives would turn stagnant.
Opening yourself up to new experiences, however, can be a little daunting for even the most extroverted among us. When something new and exciting comes along our first instinct may be to flee back into our comfort zone and forget that we ever encountered it. The problem is that if you close yourself off in this way, then you will never know what you are missing. You will never know if that person you met could have turned into a great friend or if a certain job opportunity could have proved to be incredibly fulfilling.
Perhaps you do not feel that you have enough confidence or self-esteem to be forward and to meet new people and grab opportunities by the reigns as they come along. But did you know that the best way to build your confidence and your self-esteem is to do exactly these things? Facing the world with courage will inevitably reveal to you how strong and capable you truly are. Sure, you may stumble along the way, but you will always be proud of yourself for trying.
Venturing out of your comfort zone is an important step in personal growth. It is the only way to broaden your perspective and learn something about the world and about yourself. If you ever feel frightened or nervous at the prospect of trying something new, then just remember that God is always by your side and always there to help you in times of need. In an incredible Biblical quote from John 10:27-29, Jesus makes this absolutely clear when He says that:
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."
These spiritually inspiring words are there to show you that you are always loved and you are always, at every moment, being looked after by your creator. Use this knowledge to reinforce your confidence and open yourself up to the possibility of really living life. Try out a new activity, take that trip you've been wanting to take, look for the job you've always wanted, and chase after the people who you think would make a positive impact on your life. There will be challenges and there very well could be heartbreak and pain along the way, but nothing, as Jesus says, will ever be able to snatch you out of the hand of your Father.
Spiritual Prayer
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said:
“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you to your holy temple. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”