Why You Should Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Daily Devotional – Sunday, January 16, 2022

Now the LORD had said to Abram, “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.

Genesis 12:1 (NKJV)

We all love a little bit of comfort or a lot of it. We want to settle into a predictable routine where there are no surprises or emergencies. Wake up in the morning. Go to work, business or school. Return in the evening. Repeat the ritual tomorrow, next month and next year.

Soon, the routine becomes part of our lives. We hate anything that interferes with that which we are accustomed to. Unfortunately, if we are not careful, comfort zones will stifle our personal growth and development.

Persuaded or Forced to Leave Comfort Zone

To escape the trap of a safe haven, one has to take the initiative and leave. Such a move is not easy. It can be painful. On the other hand, life can force you to leave your haven. Your circumstances and the people you live and work with can become a thorn in your flesh.

Take the example of Abram who God directed to, “Get out of your country, from your family, and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1). Literally, God was telling Abram to get out of his comfort zone.

An Irresistible Offer?

God spiced up His offer with promises. “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you
and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2). This was an irresistible offer, or was it?

How easy is it to leave the people and home you have known since childhood to go to a place you don’t even know? This was not an easy decision for Abram. That is why we read in Hebrews:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8-9).

Reaching the Next Level Depends on Obedience

Abram’s spiritual and material prosperity were only assured if he left his comfort zone. His faith and wealth would grow if he made himself vulnerable and in dire need of God’s protection and providence.

Joseph Forced Into Exile to Achieve God’s Purposes

Unlike Abram, Joseph was forced to leave his comfort zone for him to achieve his dreams. God had great plans for Jacob’s favourite son. However, as long as Joseph remained with his family, God could not accomplish His purpose through the young man.

Notice that the circumstances in Egypt were such that Joseph could not return home. It is within this context that we appreciate Joseph’s words to his brothers,

 “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20).

Uncomfortable Comfort Zones

Each of us will experience moments when our comfort zones become uncomfortable. These are signs that we have stagnated for long. It is God’s way of telling us, “Arise and depart,
for this is not your rest.” (Micah 2:10).

What comfort zone are you in – the one that is preventing you from reaching the next level spiritually, financially, in your career or in personal development? Is there a relationship you need to end and another you need to start?

Leaving the Familiar to Embrace the Unknown

Leaving the familiar to embrace the unknown is not easy. It requires the faith of Abraham and Joseph. Whether God commands you directly to leave or He allows negative circumstances in your life, start the journey as soon as you get the signal.

Take the first step towards the direction God is leading you. Have faith in Him as He leads you to the next step. Your promised land is waiting on the other side of your obedience to God’s voice. Get out of your comfort zone now and reach the next level.

Almighty Father, teach me to listen to and obey Your voice when You direct me to leave my comfort zone and go to the next level by faith.