Comfort Zones. We all have them. They look different from person to person. Some can be bigger than others, some just surround different areas of our lives. Whatever our comfort zones consist of, one thing is common between them all – they all hinder our growth if we keep inside of them.

Some of us might be blind to our comfort zones, not realizing that we’ve kept complacent, never really stepping outside of our own little bubble enough to widen our perspective and experience true growth.

Some of us boldly push ourselves outside of them before we are ready, and face the consequences of the hurt, shame, and guilt, only to recoil ourselves further back inside.

Sometimes we feel we are on the precipice of taking the leap outside, but we can’t quite bring ourselves to do it. We are left wondering about what could have been.

Regardless, we all have the propensity to stay inside them. We are not drawn to growth and change but instead sit firmly within our comfort zones, convinced that because it’s comfortable, it’s good. But comfortability can lead to complacency, and God has not called us to this.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. — Revelation 3:15-16

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:1-2

Pray and ask God what comfort zones he might be calling you out of. Is there someone at work he wants you to talk to about Him? Is there a ministry at church that He wants you to begin or be a part of? Is He asking you to give up something? To add something? Is there a comfort zone that you don’t even realize you have?

Take it one step at a time friends, trust that God is waiting for you outside of your comfort zone, while simultaneously holding your hand as you contemplate a new chapter of growth and change.