Comfort Zones

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." - Matthew 16:24-27 

Let me ask you a question. If you knew God was calling you to do something big, would you be more likely to jump on board without any hesitation, or would you say something along the lines of “no thanks, I’m good” because you didn’t want to lose your comfort and stability? 

A lot of us would like to say we’d follow God’s lead at the drop of a hat. But in reality, a lot of us have avoided (or are currently avoiding) God’s call on our lives for fear of the unknown. 

There have definitely been times in my life where I’ve been afraid to step out of my comfort zone and follow a path God was pointing me towards. Usually when that was the case, God had to take some drastic measures to get my attention. But I’m so glad He did, because looking back, drastic measures are exactly the push I needed to take the leap of faith. 

However, if I’m being honest, I haven't always had a grateful attitude when God's pulled me out of my comfort zone. I didn’t welcome God pushing me, challenging me, or leading me in an unexpected direction. On the contrary, I felt angry, confused, and defeated because all I could focus on was the fact that I was being torn away from the stable and familiar parts of my life.

Jesus talks all about this in today’s key passage. He says that you must deny yourself to follow Him. You have to LET GO of the comfort and stability and familiarity that you are desperately trying to cling to. And even though that sounds scary, what Jesus promises us in return is so much better than any comfort zone you find yourself in. What He calls us to do and how He calls us to live will be way better in the grand scheme of eternity than anything else we could possibly try to seek comfort in. 

Think about the example Jesus set for us in leaving our comfort zones. He WILLINGLY died a gruesome, excruciating, painful, and unjust death on a cross. He experienced more discomfort than anyone else who has ever lived on this earth. But He did that so we could ultimately have a relationship with His Father and spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Jesus stepped out of His comfort zone for the good of all humankind. So why are we not willing to do the same?

You never know how someone’s life could be impacted by your boldness in obeying God’s call on your life. Why not take that step of faith and leave your comfort zone? I think you’d be amazed at all that God can do with that small step of faith. And you might just realize that your comfort zone really isn’t that comfortable after all.