Getting out of your comfort zone
Pastor
Adam Fox
Comfort zones are great. They are that unique sense
of relaxation where we get fed emotionally instead of having to give. We do not
have to try. It’s a safe place.
For me, a comfortable place usually is at home, with
a pizza or huge burger and fries, and either a good movie or a game – or why
not both! And sometimes these days are refreshing, but if that is all we do,
every night movie and a burger, that would ruin us. Physically, it would make
us lazy and so fat. But more importantly, emotionally and spiritually – it would
never challenge us. Every difficult time in our life we would cower and hide,
every opportunity for growth we would be at home where it is safe. Comfort
zones can be good if used rightly, but very dangerous.
The other weekend, Andrea and I went to the zoo for
a day. Nothing like seeing all the wondrous creations of our God. I always love
looking at the otters – assuming they aren’t sleeping. But the camels, and the
red pandas are always a must. We were amazed at seeing the road runners so
close. They are so fast!
But after a cold but wonderful day of walking and
looking at animals we stopped off for dinner. We went to a burger joint that
looked interesting in LaGrange – Back Alley Burgers. No one had to twist my arm
to eat a burger.
But when we got there and as we were figuring out
how to order, I looked around, looked a the fixtures, the design, even what
makes up there menu. It was a menu designed for the Millennial.
While neither of us are Millennials, Generation Y,
but I know that a lot of business cater to that growing market, and sweet sweet
cash.
I would be lying if the atmosphere and feel of the
restaurant did not make me feel uncomfortable.
Is that a bad feeling? No.
While we will be asked to leave our comfort zones
for various things. It could be taking a new job, going away to college, taking
that next big step in your relationship… to name a few. But as we leave our
bubble of safety, are we going alone? Not on your life.
God promises us, PROMISES us that we will never be
alone. The 5 word promise in Hebrews 13 tells us that “I will never leave you”
God will be with us always, EVEN IN THE SCARY TIMES.
AS believers, we even have God living with us in the form of the Holy Spirit.
So with that amazing promise, we need to take steps out
from our area of safety. Grow spiritually and emotionally. Maybe even eat a
hipster burger with a big side of pretentious.
