Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

We have all heard the term “comfort zone” a million times, and yet, in some areas of our lives, we still live there.  We know it is not the place where we grow and flourish.  We know it is not the place where we are stretched and challenged.  When we leave it, we are introduced to a better version of ourselves. Still, we allow it to become part of our everyday lives.

Several months ago, I found myself intently studying the life Abram (also known as Abraham. This is the story before God changed his name).  As a Biblical figure, he intrigues me. I have always marveled at his trust and faith in God. In Genesis 12, God gives Abram these instructions: “Go away from your country, and your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you.”

I think it is safe to say God was telling him to leave his comfort zone. I mean, Abram did not know where he was going! Imagine with me for a moment. You are living on the same block as your mom, dad, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Your relationship with your family is amazing and you love the community you are a part of. You want for nothing. But if you stay here, you will not experience the fullness of what God has for you.

I believe Abram’s devotion to God was being tested. Who would he choose? The comfort of his family or the adventure of faith with God? His response to God was yes. He took his wife, his nephew Lot, their servants, and all their possessions. His decision not only impacted him but the people he brought with him.

Before I move on, I just want to share a quick story with you.  In some ways, I can relate to packing up everything in preparation for a place unknown.  Let me explain.  Years ago, my roommate and I needed to move from our apartment; we had forty-five days.  That sounds like a nice amount of time, right?  We started packing up the house.  Every day we filled up a few boxes.  We looked at countless apartments.  The pickings were slim to say the least.  I mean SLIM.  All the while, we kept packing. With about two weeks on the countdown clock, still nothing. 

In the midst of it all, we both put our faith and confidence in God.  We trusted He would direct us to a place to live. We believed He would take care of us like He promised. One day, we had an appointment to view an apartment after church.  The place was clean and would meet our needs. 

To our astonishment, the landlord was insistent on giving us the apartment.  He even agreed to provide us with the keys early! By then, time was truly of the essence. Through that experience, we saw God’s hand on our lives and were so grateful for His faithfulness to us.

Now back to Abram. After God gave Abram his marching orders, He also gave Abram some promises. Abram’s obedience to God was the precursor to receiving what God wanted to give him. Leaving his comfort zone would position him to experience more than he could have ever imagined! As I read this story, I found it interesting God asked Abram to do one thing (go) and in response, He promised to do numerous things. (I counted six but read it for yourself and tell me what you think.)

This realization was astounding to me. It was a picture of how God desires to give so much to us. What He is asking for is our yes. Our yes will inevitably push us out of our comfort zone. But that is the place of growth. That is the place of purpose. That is the place where we get to know God in a deeper, more intimate way. In order for Abram to know where to go, he had to listen to the voice of God. He had to lean on Him all the more because he was in unfamiliar territory.

It is was imperative for him to be close to God because he was not only leading himself, but there were others who were also depending on him. Your yes not only impacts you, but also those around you. Let that sink it for a minute.

Now I must ask you the question, what is keeping you in your comfort zone? Ask God to help you step out and join Him on this adventure of faith!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Reveal to me where I am living in my “comfort zone.” Thank you for giving me the courage and boldness to follow You where You lead me. Help me to trust You fully and to enjoy this adventure of faith with You. Reveal to me any areas where I have not been walking in obedience to You and forgive me.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS. I wanted to share this song by a group called “The Arrows” (no relation to the blog but do I love their music!) The song is called “Walking On Water” and it reminds me so much of this topic. Take a listen and let me know what you think!

Until next time,

Live audaciously!

Kay Naomi