Your Comfort Zone: Stepping Out of It For Personal Growth

Stepping outside our comfort zone is never easy,

but we sometimes must. We’d all like to stay in our comfort zone. You will be surprised at what leaving mine entails. It’s attending my very first high school class reunion. I’ll bet most of you would have no problem with that. But I do.

The things that intimidate us.

animal looking scared/ comfort zone

Do you think I’m strange? It seems like such a little thing, and while no one would ever describe me as a shrinking violet, it’s only because I’ve learned to adapt when circumstances require it. But I really don’t like events like this. I obsess over what to wear and over my makeup. Being born in the South and highly influenced by my southern-bell cousin, whom I visited every summer on our annual family vacation, my personal grooming has always been important to me.

So why am I going?

I simply need to expose myself to more situations where I am uncomfortable. But I don’t do enough of it, so I need to do it purposely, or I won’t do it at all. I struggle with social anxiety and need to remind myself that facing uncomfortable situations can lead to personal growth and greater confidence. By gradually pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, I can work towards overcoming social anxiety and becoming more at ease in various social settings.

For some of you, it wouldn’t be a class reunion. It could be something else, a gathering of old friends, a chance to reconnect with familiar faces and reminisce about shared experiences. This event provides an opportunity for personal growth and embracing new perspectives.

Enlarging our territory.

My next book is about prayer, and exploring this topic has been a deeply rewarding journey. Reflecting on the process, I am grateful I did not rush to finish it by the end of June, as was initially my goal. This extra time allowed me to delve further into my thoughts, leading to a complete overhaul of the format. The revised version resonates with me profoundly, and I am very happy with its new format. With this renewed sense of purpose, I am optimistic and hope to complete it by the end of this week.

One of the prayers I read while writing the book was the prayer of Jabez, which many of you know. For those who haven’t read it, it’s very short so that I will include it here.

Prayer of Jabez

1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Here’s what you need to know. Most scholars agree that Jabez does not necessarily refer to geographical territory. When we ask God to make us witnesses to others, there must be others, right? This is a prayer we all need to pray: that God would enlarge our territory, and then when God opens the doors, we have to walk through them. That’s what I”m doing.

Taking a step of faith

So, that’s what I’m going to do. I don’t want to. I am nervous about seeing these classmates after so many years have passed, and I’ve shown no interest in seeing them before. What will they think? They probably won’t think anything of it because who knows how many have been coming anyway. Right?

Besides, the invitation was from someone I would like to reconnect with as I always liked her. So that will be nice.

I’m going to pray hard for an opportunity to share Christ. Even if that doesn’t happen, I will feel good knowing I have been faithful.

What does leaving your comfort zone look like?

So, what is it for you?

What is the bigger territory God is calling you to? (You might want to read my book “MORE!” if you struggle to know your purpose.)

Where is God leading you?

If you’re wondering, do you realize how many Biblical heroes stepped out of their comfort zone? All of them. There isn’t a single example of someone who did something great for God who didn’t have to step outside their comfort zone first. Not one.

What does that tell us? It tells me that if I’m going to do great things for God, I have to leave my comfortable place, which means this dreaded reunion. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Until then, do not fear the path that God will lead you on. Wherever it may be, it is ultimately for your benefit. Trust in the journey; every twist and turn is a chance for growth and learning.

Have faith that God’s plan for you is filled with blessings and opportunities, even if the road ahead seems unclear. Remember, every step you take is towards a brighter future, guided by divine wisdom and love.

God bless, and it’s good to be back with you.