I chose this topic because I believe a lot of people struggle with stepping out of their comfort zone (myself included). It is often easy to form certain habits or ways to do things at certain times for the Lord. It is easy to sit in the back row and listen to the Pastor speak. Sometimes we are happy with who we are, where we are, that we don’t even think twice that maybe Yahweh has other plans for us than to just sit in the back seat and absorb it all. If we are a child of God, then He has GREAT plans for us! (Jer. 29:11) His desire for us is to always seek for ways to further His Kingdom and yearn to possess the fruits of the Spirit. Not only to yearn for more of Him, but to use our actions and walk the truth out. We all have high callings on our life if we stay faithful and obedient to His will. Whether or not we choose to step out and take the next step to go further is our choice. This is how I look at it:

Say for example God wanted to increase the spirit of Prophecy in you, but you were too afraid to go forward with that gift because you felt uneasy not knowing if it was really from God or not. If you decided not to walk forward at the right time, that lack of obedience may have hindered somebody else from being able to walk forward in their walk with God. It could become a stumbling block for someone else without you even realizing it. You will never truly know if something is from Yahweh unless you step out and do it. Have the faith to step out. Being comfortable is not where you should be. There will be (and probably already have been) moments in life and situations when you feel that burning sensation in your stomach, feeling like you’re supposed to say or deliver a message to a person or audience. If you’ve ever felt that before you know what I’m talking about. So what do you do in the situation? Well, fear usually tries to get the best of you bringing in doubt. If there is ever a time when you feel like the Lord wants you to do something, don’t hold back. Press forward and be obedient. What’s the worst that can happen? If it wasn’t from God, then maybe it was at least a test from Him of whether or not you would be obedient and humble.

I know, for myself, I have had many times when fear has gotten the best of me. I seem to always give in to it without knowing. There have been only two times that I have gotten a word or vision for someone. Both times I hesitated to give it to them (even though I felt pressed to do so). I kept asking the question, “Is it really from You, God, or am I just making things up?” The longer I would sit or stand there asking questions and doubting, the more depressed and heavy I felt for not being obedient. I finally went to them with what I had seen or heard, and to my surprise, it actually meant a lot to both of them and confirmed things that Yahweh had already told them. It is such an encouraging and uplifting experience. Once you step out of your comfort zone, stop asking questions, and walk in faith… You will be surprised at the results that can happen.

God has not called us to be in our own little “comfort zone”. There are times when He wants us to be okay and comfortable with where He has put us, but there are other times when we need to step out, and be obedient. Even if you don’t feel like you’ve received anything from Him; still make the effort to step out to reach the full potential that He has for you. It takes a lot of courage and faith. But with God, anything is possible.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;” James 1:5-7

Jim Staley