I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 19 years old. I was perfectly comfortable riding in the passenger seat. I considered driving to be a colossal responsibility and feared causing some accident that would cost the life of someone or do terrible damage. A car is legally considered a lethal weapon after all. But eventually I had to overcome that fear, get out of my comfort zone, and slide over to the other side of the automobile behind the wheel. Eventually, the skill of driving, of course, becomes second nature. Now I take it for granted. I can just jump in my truck and go anywhere at any time. 

All too often we get stuck in our comfort zones when it comes to following Jesus.

Our church just finished up a Bible Study on Hebrews. Chapter 11 is always a favorite because it reads like a Hall of Faith Heroes from the Old Testament. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” It then goes on to commend the likes of Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Noah and Moses among others. They were applauded for their faith in God. Yet all of these biblical figures are known for some action. 

Abel is known for his acceptable sacrifice. Enoch walked with God. Abraham set out for a land he did not know that God would show him. Noah after being warned of the coming flood built an ark to save his family and all the animals from destruction. Moses led the Hebrews out of bondage from the Egyptians. Each of these actions were taken by faith. 

They did not know the outcome they would see but they trusted God and so they acted. What is interesting is that none of these actions were comfortable or convenient. Do you think Abraham enjoyed leaving his family and relished in the feeling of being a sojourner in a strange country? Was Noah comfortable spending years building an ark when he’d never even seen a drop of rain? We all know Moses was not eager to reenter Pharaoh’s household to demand he free his slaves. Talk about an awkward interaction. 

But each of these were willing to leave their comfort zones behind in favor of obedience to God. 

Later on in Hebrews 11, the writer includes in his list of “heroes” those who faced persecution for the cause of Christ. “Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them.”

Persecution and suffering for Christ may be the epitome of stepping out of the comfort zone. And the writer says the world was not even worthy of them. A great exaltation indeed. 

I believe God has great things in store for His church. We serve a big God so, of course, He makes big plans and chooses to include us in those plans. But we must be willing to get out of our comfort zones. 

What actions or activities do you feel God calling you to in faith? If you want to be a part of God’s grand narrative and story, my advice is this: get comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable. God wants to do something amazing through you, but first He wants to do something amazing in you. And that means leaving behind what we know for something unknown. Yes, the unknown is scary but if God goes with us, it will be absolutely rewarding. 

Getting out of our comfort zones is how we grow. A rosebush doesn’t enjoy having its stems pruned, but pruning is necessary and leads to growth. This is the way of Jesus. He said so Himself. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.” (John 15:1-2)

So how do we get out of our comfort zones and grow in Christ? Well, what is something you dream of doing for God but are too afraid to try? Answer that and you may be hovering near the edge of your comfort zone. 

So try this. Do something today that is scary or inconvenient but honors the Lord. Then doing something else tomorrow that falls in the same category. Do it again the next day. And the day after that. Slowly the boundaries of your comfort zone will start to shift. 

Faith calls us to action. So don’t just sit there…take action! Step over the line of your comfort zone. You’ll find Jesus waiting for you on the other side.