Last week, I started talking about the dangers of staying parked in your comfort zone. The older we get, the less likely it is for us to want to change, so instead, we stay STUCK in our comfort zones. We do that, mainly, to avoid risk and to feel safe. Safety can sometimes lead to mediocrity. You may need to think a bit more radically and take some risks. So, it makes perfect sense that the idea of coming out of the comfort zone feels scary. For many people it is so scary that they never accomplish it. I don’t care HOW mature of a Christian you are, if you want to grow in Christ, leaving your comfort zones is REALLY important. It’s fear (not faith) that usually holds us back, but the verse below challenges us to be confident, strong and courageous and NOT to get discouraged.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
So, What… for This Week?
A great place to start analyzing your “comfort” is in relationships. Do you have the courage to stir things up a bit and explore how comfort zones affect your relationships? It is in this area that comfort zones can be the most destructive. Just with anything else in our life, we can get into a “rut” of habits that feel comfortable and safe with our relationships. Many times, these routines, and behaviors don’t allow for growth in our relationships, but instead actually can be causing damage. Pray about boldness this week, to step out of your comfort zones and see what the Holy Spirit reveals to you. Next week, I will give you a few tips on how to actually implement the next steps.