I live a quiet life. There I’ve said it. I don’t do anything big and bold. Nothing exciting happens to me. Some may say my life is boring, but I’d say, my life is quiet.

I have read stories of or have met people who have done some pretty remarkable things in their lifetime. Skydivers. Mountain climbers. Life changers. Public speakers. Their lives are huge. Their personalities are huge.

You probably can recall some biblical characters that fit this description. Joshua. David. Daniel. Peter. Paul. Even as a boy David did more than I have done in my entire lifetime.

But then, I find great comfort in reading stories about Ruth, Esther, Priscilla, Lydia, Lois and Eunice. These women lived quiet lives.

There are even some beautiful verses of Scripture that tell us we are to live quiet lives. Take a look at a few.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – NIV)

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV), we read that we are to pray for “kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

And in 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) we see these words. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

Phew! I’m so glad these verses exist. It means that I can continue with my quiet existence.

Or does it?

Ruth led a quiet life until God called her to step out of her comfort zone and live among God’s people. He called her to a life that would be anything but quiet as she became the grandmother to King David (Ruth).

Esther also led a quiet life until God called her to be queen and to ultimately to be in a place at such a time to save her people from annihilation (Esther).

Priscilla led the quiet life of a tent maker, alongside her husband until God called her to travel with Paul to Ephesus. In Ephesus Priscilla was able to work with the new church and to explain the way of God more adequately to Apollos (Acts 18:18-28).

Lydia was a seller of purple. She worked in the market place and while some may believe this was a brave life, it was a quiet life. Until God called her to sit by the river outside the city gate. It was here that her life was markedly changed. She heard the message of Jesus, believed and was baptized…along with her household. Lydia opened her home to Paul and his band of disciples. Her life suddenly became exciting (Acts 16:13-15)!

Lois and Eunice lived their quiet existence in Lystra until God called them to rear a young lad named Timothy. They were called to teach him the ways of Jesus and to prepare him for his exciting life of companionship to Paul. How their quiet little lives were changed by this calling (1 Timothy 1:5).

While I may believe I live a quiet life, and am happy to live in the ways mentions above, when God calls to action, I must be prepared to step out of my comfort zone and do as He asks. I’ve tried to obey. I started writing this blog. I went to SE Asia. I lead women in Bible study. I have chosen to work with women. But have there been times when God asked for more and I didn’t respond?

Sadly, I must say yes. I’m sure you can say the same. So what is it that we are to do? Say yes when God asks us to put some extra life in our quiet lives. His ask may be as simple as say an encouraging word to that young mom who is raising money to start a non-profit organization. His ask may be to say hello to your neighbor. His ask may be go on a mission trip. Whatever it is, do it. Don’t hesitate. Do it.

I do love my quiet life. But, what is God asking me to next?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna