When I run, I really like to run through the woods as opposed to on the streets. I just like being with nature and running over and around tree roots instead of flat pavement. There was a 3.5-mile route I had learned that went around my school. I usually ran the same loop, sometimes backwards to mix it up. Every time I would run, though, I would pass another path I’d never tried that branched off into the woods. For a long time I would just run the same route, over and over again, always feeling an inner tug toward the other trail. I would always think to myself, “I like where I’m at. I know where I’m going; I’m comfortable with it. If I take that path, I could get lost. That other trail could be longer or more difficult.”

One day, I finally worked up enough courage to explore it—to take the different route and see where it led me. The trail took me through the best part of the woods and was both challenging and exhilarating. I’ve never regretted it, and I now love running it. Sure, it may be a little longer and more challenging, but it makes me a stronger and a better runner.

In life, we often feel that same tug from God. Maybe God is calling us to follow Him in some way that makes us uncomfortable. We have become so complacent with where we are that we don’t like the idea of changing our routine or scheduled plans. It may be tougher to follow God and the unknown road He’s asking us to take. That path might lead us to a college, team or career that we don’t understand or don’t initially want to pursue.

Read Acts 20:24 above. Paul’s statement illustrates a very extreme commitment to a God-ordained path. He was willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of completing the task that Christ had given him. All too often we are trapped by our complacency. We like where we are, and we are too scared to break from our routine and follow the route that Christ has made for us, even though it is infinitely better than the one we are currently on. It may be tougher than what we’re used to, but, in the end, it will shape us spiritually and help us face future challenges.

Today, will you continue to run your comfortable route and pass by the path God has paved for you? Or, will you finally step up to the challenge for Him? The choice is yours.