Called Out of Our Comfort Zone: A Conversation with Edward Graham

God likes to call us out of our comfort zone, but often we hesitate out of fear—we like the comfort and safety of the life we have known. But stepping out in faith is where true growth happens. Edward Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Samaritan’s Purse, shares what God has taught him in leadership, both in the military but also in ministry. Hear how you, too, can step out in faith and obedience to the Lord, in whatever He has for you.

Resources:

• Learn more about how you can get involved with Samaritan’s Purse domestically and internationally.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/nam/#volunteer-now

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/dart/

• Listen to “Suffering for Christ’s Sake” to hear stories of pastors who experienced intense persecution and how their faith sustained them.
https://ontheground.samaritanspurse.org/podcast/suffering-for-christs-sake

Highlights:

Edward shares stories from his time in the military, where he chose to trust the Lord and seek Him for wisdom. He reads a passage from James that he continually goes to when he needs to turn away from doubt and towards belief.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” – James 1:5-8, ESV

Now more than ever, Samaritan’s Purse has an opportunity to love our neighbors that are hurting in the Middle East. Our staff stand ready, training and preparing so when famine comes or disaster hits and everyone else is running away, we can respond in Jesus’ Name.

“God expects us—when He entrusts us with His widow’s mite or with His people—to take prudent risk, to go out and multiply in the Gospel.” – Edward Graham

Edward talks about trials he has faced in his own life and how they shaped him and encouraged his walk with the Lord. The story in the Bible where Peter walks on water shows Edward that sometimes in life God is calling us to get out of the boat. Often in our Western culture, we strive for comfort and ease. But that is not what the life of a Christian looks like.

“Let's get out of the boat. Let's be part of miracles. You’ve got to challenge yourself. You’ve got to put yourself out there sometimes, and maybe it's your church, maybe it's your family, maybe it's your job and career. Somewhere you're safe in the boat. What do you do to take that step and go walk on water and go be part of a miracle?” – Edward Graham

None of what is going on in our world surprises God. Kristy and Edward remind listeners that in this world we will have trouble, but we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. Edward asks for prayer for our staff and volunteers serving amid disasters and conflicts across the globe and for new endeavors that the ministry is embarking on within its aviation and U.S. rebuild programs.

If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.

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