I’ve always been a careful person. I like to follow the rules, just call me Rory Gilmore (at least the one from the first few seasons). And while sticking to the rules has gotten me far and kept me safe, it hasn’t necessarily allowed me to grow as much as I could. Why? Because the predictable does just that, keeps you predictable and normal. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but we were made for more than routine and comfort. We were made to live, truly live and with comes spontaneity and awkward and the uncomfortable, and yet, there is still order in that.

God wants us out of our comfort, our faith requires it. In order for God to use us, we have to be open, change is required as well as to trust Him. What are ways that God has called you out of your comfort lately? Is there something He has called you to do? Make a job change, go to more social events, volunteering in a new area at or outside of church, go on a missions trip? What are ways that you’d like to get out of your comfort? Finally taking that dance class you’ve always wanted to, learning a new language, traveling, speaking to that person you aren’t friends with? The ways are endless really. Doing anything new brings you out of that place of comfort, whether it be in a big way or a small way. But really, even it appears small, it’s a big win.

How do we get out of our comfort?

1. Act and Commit.

The first step to getting out there is to act. Faith is a verb, therefore it works when it’s acted upon. And commit. Commit to that new thing you’re trying. Give yourself a time period for it, 1 month, 6 months, a year?

2. Let go of fear.

This is the biggest hurdle to deal with. Once you do something new, especially if it’s for Christ, the fear creeps in. It starts to whisper doubts and lies. But don’t listen to fear! On the other side of fear is success, don’t give up!

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41.10, English Standard Version

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34.4, ESV

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1.7, ESV

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56.3, ESV

“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed”. Isaiah 54.17

3. Let go of opinions.

People won’t always understand why you’re pursuing your heart’s desires, God’s desires. In fact some may speak against the things you do. Don’t worry about them. If you know it’s God’s plan for you that’s all that matters.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3.23-24, ESV

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1.10, ESV

4. Faith Factor.

Jesus is in the business of keeping us out of our comfort. Why? Because following him requires it. There is nothing comfortable about being a Christ follower. And that’s not a bad thing. In order to spread the gospel, we have to embrace the selfless act of doing so and in a world of “self love” that demands an out of comfort lifestyle. God want to expand us, to trust Him and to use us. There is peace out of comfort because there is trust that God is at work for us and through us. Hallelujah!

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2.16, ESV

Doing anything new for the first time can be exciting and just as equally as daunting. Whenever I learn something new and think about quitting because I don’t see results I think back to when I learned how to drive a car. I remember thinking 40 miles an hour was so fast! Driving was scary at first, but after after each lesson I learned something new and each time I drove, I gained experience and confidence in my new ability. I also had the finish line in mind, I knew that the goal was to gain my driver’s license so I could independently drive myself. Keeping that vision in mind allowed me to not give up. Now I’ve been driving for 10 years and it comes so naturally, as if I never even had to learn in the first place. Getting out of our comfort is the same. It takes practice and requires effort. Pretty soon, what was once uncomfortable to do will be natural. The beauty of life is there are endless things to learn, new ways of finding yourself out of comfort and that is a good thing.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone