Comfort In The Uncomfortable

Being pushed out of your comfort zone is never easy! It’s easier to stick with what we are familiar or comfortable with. It’s safer. The thought of venturing into the unknown, into something new or different brings a strong sense of fear. We don’t know how life will be outside of our comfort, so we resist the change. But, deep in our hearts, we know that life has so much more to offer and as much as the thought crosses our mind, fear cripples us and keeps us stuck.

The truth is staying in our comfort zones causes stagnation, missed opportunities and a lack of growth in our lives. We find ourselves trapped in a box of our own making. But I’m here today to tell you that it is time to break out! Break down those walls. Break down those doors. Break down those old ways of thinking. Break down those toxic cycles. Break down everything that kept you stuck.

‘…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…’

– Philippians 3:13

Imagine, for a second, removing the stressors that affect the amoeba growing in a petri dish. One might think that the amoeba is now cozy and comfortable growing in the dish. But that is not the case for long. They die. Even in such a small organism, challenges are needed in order to thrive. Staying in a comfortable state, in our comfort zone, does not help us grow and become all that we are called to be. Anyone aiming for a successful career, relationship or to make a difference in their circle knows that comfort is a hindrance.

When you’re too comfortable, God will challenge you so that you grow. It is like a trainer in the gym. They will increase the weight, up the reps or switch up the exercises. You probably groaned as your trainer handed you heavier dumbbells to lift with. But it is to prevent you from getting too comfortable, to prevent your muscles from becoming too accustomed to what was previously done. It grows you physically. It stretches you and increases your capacity. There truly is no growth without discomfort.

‘Growth is uncomfortable because you’ve never been here before. You’ve never seen this version of you. So give yourself a little grace and breathe through it’

– Kristin Lohr

Now that doesn’t mean that our lives will not have comfort. Comfort means to strengthen, to instill a sense of security and to give help in times of need. All of this we will have in uncomfortable times but guess what?! It all comes from God. As He says in Isaiah 41:10, even as He challenges us, there is comfort in Him. We gain the ability to soar above it all and fly like eagles.

So, don’t be afraid. Don’t let fear keep you stuck. Step into the new. Step into, and embrace, all that God has for you. If He called you to it, know that, even if you don’t feel it, you are ready for it! It all lies within you!