2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. A global pandemic, social issues, a presidential election, and so on and so on. We all know there’s been a LOT.
Going through a year like this one makes us all long for a safer, more comfortable space to live in.
However, time and time again, God has reminded me that our comfort zones are not where we’re meant to hide out. As cliche as it sounds, we grow the most in our most uncomfortable moments.
It’s time to stop living in our comfort zone, and start taking risks and braving new challenges. We must lean on God and allow Him to steer us in and through those uncomfortable spaces around us. Let’s allow Him to grow us and strengthen us each time we step out of our comfort zone.
Don’t Hide from Discomfort
As an introvert and someone who often seeks safety and comfort, I don’t usually look for moments where I can feel uncomfortable. Who really does?
While I grow and mature, however, I see the value in discomfort and the numerous ways it stretches me for good. Read through the Bible, and you’ll see how God allowed many people to grow during periods of extreme discomfort. Those moments lead us to realize our desperate need for Him.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalms 91:1
If we lived in a comfortable space all the time, we wouldn’t have a yearning for Jesus. We wouldn’t see the need for Him, and depend on Him for strength. Without experiencing that close proximity to Him, we truly miss out on His pure goodness.
It’s easy to want to run in the opposite direction of discomfort, but God invites us to lean on Him as we walk through it. He will help us grow, be strengthened and ultimately more dependent on Him. When we look through those perspectives, we can feel safer stepping out of our comfort zones.
Strengthened Through Struggle
As I said before, we often grow the most during times of struggle and discomfort. We discover our abundant need for God and His power within us. Navigating through this world without Him, seems completely unbearable to me.
There are distinct times I can look back on (in my thirty-one years of life) and see how God stretched me and carried me through seasons of discomfort.
Before I had my children, I went through a season of tremendous growth. I went through some painful (literally) things and had experiences I didn’t feel capable or qualified for.
Several years ago, my church began the phases of planting another church in a nearby town. They asked for volunteers from our church body to attend there and help get it off the ground. I remember hearing this announcement during a service, and while I was excited about this new “project,” admittedly I had no desire or drive to actually be a part of it. My church was my comfort zone, where I felt involved, connected and well, comfortable.
God, however, had different plans for me. I was teaching full-time, and it happened to be in the same town our new church plant was going to be in. Like I said, I had no interest in attending this new church plant. I felt comfortable where I was, but that’s not where God wanted me to stay (literally).
The children’s ministry director at the time, who I’d worked for in the past, reached out to me and set up a time to get coffee. She explained to me that she was looking for a volunteer who could dedicate themselves to the new church plant and help get the children’s ministry up and running.
That led to her asking me if I’d be interested in taking on that role. Which meant, leaving my comfort zone at the church I’d been attending for about 7 years. The church I got baptized in, married in, fell in love with ministry in, etc. I was completely thrown off (and flattered) by her offer and told her I’d pray it over.
Fast forward a week or two, and let’s just say God made it very clear to me this is where He wanted me to be. It was His plan, and He wanted me to follow it and trust in Him. Trust Him through all the uncomfortable, difficult and frankly kind of scary aspects of it.
I didn’t feel qualified at the time, and I definitely felt it would stretch me completely right out of my comfort zone. I was right, too. It did stretch me. It did challenge me and even stress me out at times (especially Sunday mornings when I had a lack of volunteers in each area).
But…
It also gave me a new confidence and a desire to keep growing in my leadership abilities. My relationship with God was strengthened and grew much deeper. I realized my dependence on Him and how valuable His presence was in my life.
That experience was one of the biggest “stepping out of my comfort zone” seasons I’ve had, and I’m so incredibly grateful for it. I also long for more of those seasons, because I know there’s potential for more growth. I was strengthened in my struggle, and it was a blessing.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29
Don’t Wait to Be Pushed
Sometimes we’re forced out of our comfort zone with big life changes, new directions/decisions or even traumatic life events. But, there are ALWAYS opportunities for us to step out of our “safe space” all on our own.
I don’t push myself to do a lot of things that I know I should. My laid-back personality gets the best of me sometimes and I don’t always do the hard things I know I need to. When I do, however, I’m always grateful for the growth it provokes in me.
We should look for those opportunities that may be a little scary and unknown, but will push us to become a better version of ourselves. Don’t wait for someone to throw you into the unknown, but instead place yourself in positions that challenge you. I’m saying this to remind myself more than anyone.
With God’s support and strength, we can do things well beyond our own abilities. He wants us to trust in Him and continue walking forward, knowing He’ll be right beside us all the way. Let’s all stop getting too comfortable and hiding where we are, but instead look for ways to stretch and grow in new places. Your comfort zone is not meant to be a permanent residence, but resting in the hope and security of God truly is.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
Reading this this morning has stirred me to consider what my comfort zone is. Twelve years ago, I was “stirred” to become a volunteer in Sonlight. That led to volunteering in Kid’s Hope for several years, then Fellowship Missions for 2-1/2 years, Joe’s Kids for 5 years. Two years ago, I left Joe’s Kids and Fellowship Missions, to take on becoming a Stephen Minister. Today, this is all I’m involved in. I did take on another Care Receiver 2 months ago (I have 2 now), but I’ve felt there is something missing. I feel the need to do more. I’ve prayed many times about it, and now I’ve probably missed what God told me! I’ve thought many times how fulfilling Joe’s Kids made me feel, but haven’t approached them about coming back. I do thank you however, for writing about comfort zones, as
it’s made me wake up and see where I am today!
I just saw this, Chip! So sorry! I think you have stepped out in faith SO many times and have been such a great model of serving God and others. I’m sure God will reveal your next steps, but be encouraged that you already doing such amazing things for the kingdom of God. I’m blessed to know you and Bev and was so grateful for the time I got to serve alongside the both of you.