
We all have comfort zones which make us feel secure, equipt and comfortable in different areas of our lives.
A comfort zone is the state in which we feel familiar, at ease and in control of our environment. This results in us experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress, as we can relax and be ourselves.
However there are inherent dangers in comfort zones and getting stuck in them. Being too comfortable does eventually limit our ability to grow and learn. We are hindered from improving and achieving all the things we are capable of achieving.
I think God likes us to push us from time to time out of our comfortable spaces. All through the bible we read of where He called, challenged and led people into seemingly impossible situations. People like Abraham, Moses, Esther, Peter, Mary, and Jesus’ first 12 disciples, were all asked to step out of their comfortable lives to exercise “next level trust and faith”.
God will allow us to be in uncomfortable situations so that we will have to use our skills, gifts and knowledge. We will as we step out increase in our trust and faith, often with incredible results.
Take for example Gideon who was busy threshing wheat in a winepress as he hid from his enemies when God called him to lead an army. Gideon was not confident when asked to be a leader, but with some serious nudges from God he obeyed and stepped right out of his comfort zone. If that wasn’t stretching enough God then instructed Gideon to send most of his army home, leaving him with only 300 men to go into battle against seemingly impossible odds. However Gideon trusted, and God honoured his courage and caused the enemy to scatter. (Judges 6-7)
It’s far easier to remain within the confines of our comfort zone but if we stay there we will miss out on everything God has for us. In reaching our potential, professional and relationship opportunities, life’s experiences and personal growth. Plus we don’t ever stay in one spot; we either push ourselves onwards to new things or we go backwards.
Here are 5 ways to get out of your comfort zone…
1. Take the first step. Have courage and take the first step. As you gain momentum it is far easier to keep going. Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and to step out for something great to happen.
2. Put yourself in a different environment – change something up. Begin with small changes that do not cause a threat. Go to a different cafe, try a new food, change up your appearance, take an alternative route home and look to where you can discover and look at things differently. Change is good.
3. Just do it. Instead of vacillating about decisions, just do it. “It doesn’t have to be a life-changing decision. It can be anything from choosing a restaurant to shopping. Just make a choice that’s unusual for your routine without overthinking it and learn to trust yourself and God’s leading.
4. Say Yes. Say yes to new projects, new assignments, new roles, new opportunities. Say Yes to God. You might find yourself enjoying and discovering something you never even thought of before.
5. Create challenges where you have to push yourself. Decide on a few challenges designed to push you outside of your comfort zone and in areas you want to develop in or where you can overcome a fear.
It’s very hard to grow our faith when we stay safe within our comfort zones. When we choose to get out of these zones in our life it causes us to hone our focus, creativity, energy and drive. Instead of cruising through life, we go up a level and in doing so we often encourage and inspire those around us to do the same.
Today ask God to show you where you can exercise your faith and trust more. Step out and allow God to take the reins to lead, guide and challenge you where needed. As you do He’ll take you places you never thought possible and cause you to grow in your faith, courage and potential.
Step out of your comfort zone today!
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Prayer: Lord please help me to say “Yes” more and to trust you to take the reins. I’m choosing to step out of my comfort zone today. In Jesus name Amen.