The Comfort Zone

And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” — Mark 10:49

There is much talk these days about the Comfort Zone, which is considered to be a space you create. A place where you feel safe and secure in the midst of this big, bad world. Maybe you travel the same way to work every day because it’s familiar. Maybe you shop at the same grocery store because you know the contents of every aisle. But let’s look a little deeper. Is it possible that God might be calling you to a life outside of the secure walls you have built for yourself?

Don’t get me wrong, this does not necessarily mean that you need to sell all your belongings and head for the South American jungle to spread the gospel! Although God does plant that desire into the hearts of some, He has also equipped those He calls so they will thrive in that environment. Compared to that adventure … and I suspect that was the first thing that popped into your head … this could be simple. Scary maybe, but not quite so radical.

Maybe you need to move. Your current house payments feel like a chain around your neck and put unnecessary strain on your finances. Moving could create financial freedom. Maybe your job situation is stealing you away from your family and chipping away pieces of your soul. Place the sign in your yard and give the boss your two-weeks-notice. RED ALERT: Both require courage to take action and a huge dose of faith.

The world won’t make this easy. It’s human nature to place our security in the arms of what is familiar, but familiarity provides a safety net that only mimics true security. As followers of Christ, our security is found in Him alone. God’s Word is filled with ordinary people just like us, people who stepped outside of their comfort zone and accomplished extraordinary things through Christ. Let’s take a peek into a small slice of time in the life of one of God’s people.

In Exodus chapter 3, we find Moses as he is tending to the flock. Suddenly his attention is captured by a bush that’s on fire. But oddly, even though the fire rages, the bush does not burn up! So, Moses walks over to get a closer look and then ---- it happens. He literally hears God call his name out loud, “Moses! Here I am.”

Did you notice what happened there? Moses left his familiar position with the flock and walked toward the flames. This is seriously BIG! I think all Moses had in mind was to see why the bush wasn’t actually burning up. But he got way more than he bargained for, just by taking one simple action. He walked.

If you feel familiarity is holding you prisoner, maybe it’s time to walk toward the fire!  God wants to set you free from the false sense of security the enemy places before you. Ask the Savior for the courage to take a few, simple steps of faith and pitch a tent outside of your comfort zone. Step over the self-imposed boundary and park your tent on the other side of the line. Lean in, be aware of God’s presence and seek the light that sets your soul on fire!

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and know that He has prepared a path just for you. He has equipped you with everything good. You are ready. Every story has to start somewhere, let your next adventure begin.

Points to Ponder

Take courage! He is calling for you.

●      What’s in your life that could be holding you back?

●      What would it take for you to step out of your comfort zone?

●      Ask God for a glimpse of what He has planned for you.