The Comfort Zone

“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” – Luke 9:23.

The comfort zone can be a dangerous place to linger for periods of time. God called His people to greater works and gave them each a destiny and a calling. How can one achieve that if they remain still. Jesus told us to take up our cross daily. Picking up your cross is extremely uncomfortable. You cannot pick up your cross and remain in your comfort zone. Your comfort zone is like a fortress with sturdy walls. You can linger in your fortress feeling safe and in comfort. However, how can you go gather and forage raw resources that are necessary if you never step out? The simple answer is that you can’t. Those raw resources are growth and maturity. No one can grow if they never step out into situations that test them and aren’t always comfortable. Comfort does not come from tall walls and barred gates; for true comfort comes from the Lord our fortress.

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” – Psalms 91:2. 

Here is the beautiful thing about God. Even outside of your fortress in the wilderness, God, your true fortress and comfort is always with you. It is like a mother bird teaching her little ones to fly. She pushes them out of the nest because then they will have to learn to fly. God pushes us out of our nests so that we will learn to trust in Him. Yet, the comforting thing we can know is that even when you are pushed out of your nest, you will never crash into the ground. God is always with you there to catch you. God will push your limits, but He won’t ever break you beyond repair. Remember, roots aren’t formed in seasons of comfort, but the seasons of droughts because the roots are forced to go deeper for water. God will give you just enough to get through that season. As you step out of your comfort zone, you will notice growth and maturity over time. Growing isn’t always easy because there are times when you will have growing pains. The more you turn away and tear your flesh, it won’t be comfortable, but it will be worth it. The flesh wants you to linger in your comfort zone so it can please itself in its desires and fantasies. Don’t give in to your flesh.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4.

As you step out of your comfort zone, your testing of faith will produce patience and endurance. You have to have patience as you endure stepping out of your comfort zone more and more because the things God will teach you cannot be taught overnight but through a journey. God will teach you new things and revelation that will shape you so that you may succeed in fulfilling your destiny and calling. For how can a person fulfill their destiny in a fortress? Or where is the step of faith if you linger in your comfort zone? If you never stepped out, then you would never trust God. So overall, the comfort zone is not a place you can linger in forever. To grow and mature, you must step out. God will push you and test you so that you will deepen your trust and roots in Him. He doesn’t want you to lack anything that you need to fulfill what He has called you to. So, even when it is uncomfortable stepping out in faith, remember your true comfort and your true fortress who is God.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalms 23:4.