Some 28 years ago, Nikki and I were planning our honeymoon. We had settled on Disney World as a destination. Her suggestion to fly was a little out there for me because I had never flown before. I was sheltered somewhat as a child and vacations meant driving to a destination most of the time, 3-4 hours from home. If we fly to Disney we would have more time to enjoy our trip. I caved in and we flew. You have to know that I was uneasy because it was very much outside of my comfort zone. You also need to know that now…if the trip is over 2-3 hours, I want to fly every time! I got out of my comfort zone and it was awesome.
Each of us has a comfort zone. A comfort zone is the place where we feel satisfied and complacent, strong and confident, secure and cozy, safe and content. I believe that each Christian ought to have the desire to grow, but “growing” cannot be achieved when we limit ourselves to the satisfaction of our comfort zones. The life that Jesus has called us into is not in any comfortable place. Jesus did not save you to make you comfortable!
Christian growth does not take place inside your comfort zone. Why?
- Because in your comfort zone you are always in control.
- Because in your comfort zone there is nothing to challenge you to grow. Status quo is your best friend.
- Because in your comfort zone Jesus is only brought up when there is a great need.
Luke 9:23 says, Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
As I read this verse this morning during my study time, I was again captured by the the call that God places on the life of every believer. It is not a comfort zone kind of call. It is a call to die to myself and live my life totally for Him. It is a call to become His disciple and to grow to become more like Him every day. It is a call out of my comfort zone and into a journey that will lead me to growth that will never happen in my life until I step into it.
I want this for my life. I want to be more like Jesus. I want to be His disciple. My tendancy is to drift back to my comfort zone because it is my safe place, my place of control.
“Life always begins with one step outside of your comfort zone.” ― Shannon L. Alder
My prayer for you and me today is that we will be bold and step out of the comfortable place in our lives and into a real life journey of a lifetime with Jesus. It is a life filled with opportunities to become more like Jesus every day. Sounds like a great journey! Now, take that step!!