Phoenix: Live Love Laugh

A Move That Didn’t Feel Like Home

In 2023, I made a big move to Houston, Texas—hoping for a fresh start, new opportunities, and perhaps deeper connections with family. But here’s the truth: I’ve been miserable.

At first, I thought it might just be the adjustment phase. Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was me. Maybe I was expecting too much from people, family, or even the city itself. But deep down, something just doesn’t feel right. My heart hasn’t settled.

I’ve moved several times before, each for its own reason—sometimes out of obedience, sometimes necessity—but I’ve never regretted a move like I regret this one.

Feeling Alone and Unseen

This time, it feels different.

There’s no one here. No real support system. No one to call in a pinch—not even for the simplest things like doing my hair, especially with my limited arm movement after shoulder replacement surgery. It’s lonely. And that loneliness sometimes turns into questioning.

Did I mishear God? Did I move too fast? Or is this part of the process?

When God Moves You Through Discomfort

This morning’s devotional hit me like a wind gust—firm, honest, and right on time.

“Your right place often comes after a season of discomfort. Until your misery factor exceeds your fear factor, you won’t change.”

Read that again.

We often cling to the known, even if it’s not working, simply because it’s familiar. Change is uncomfortable. But comfort can keep you stuck.

The Eagle’s Nest: A Lesson from Nature

When a mother eagle wants her babies to fly, she tears up the nest. She removes the soft fur and padding so the thorns and sticks poke through. The once-cozy nest becomes unbearable.

Why? Because the eaglets won’t leave until they’re forced to. Discomfort makes them stretch their wings. Discomfort makes them fly.

Sometimes, God does the same with us.

God’s Comfort in the Middle of Chaos

Even when the external world feels like it’s falling apart, God never leaves us without peace:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

If you’re feeling uncomfortable, it doesn’t always mean you’re out of place. Sometimes it means God is preparing you for the next place.

Discomfort Can Be Directional

Let me ask you this:

• Are you in a season of discomfort?
• Are you somewhere you thought was “right,” but now feels all wrong?
• Are you tolerating more than you should because you’re scared of moving again?

If so, you’re not alone—and you’re not off course.

God asked Adam, “Where are you?” in Genesis 3:9—not because He didn’t know, but because Adam was out of position. Lot moved to Sodom chasing opportunity, but lost more than he ever imagined.

Being in the wrong place comes with consequences. But so does staying in a place God is trying to move you out of.

Final Thoughts: If God Is Stirring, Don’t Settle

I may not know exactly what’s next—whether I’ll move back to the East Coast, or explore a new chapter in Dallas—but I do know this:

Discomfort is often divine. It forces you to trust, move, and eventually… soar.

Prayer:

“God, if this discomfort is Your hand nudging me, give me the courage to move. If it’s not, give me peace to stay. Either way, help me hear You clearly and trust You completely.”