Are You Too Comfortable?

Testimony of Angeline Triyono

The comfort zone is called the comfort zone for a reason. It's the place where we aren't challenged and there's no pressure to face our fears. While the comfort zone may be a safe place to be in, it will keep us from growing to see the full potential that God has for us. Are you too comfortable?

For the longest time, I was staying too comfortable.

I didn't feel qualified to lead Bible study, and I definitely never saw myself as a leader. So when my sister asked me to lead Bible Study my first instinct was to say no.

I felt uncomfortable because I was asked to do something that I never saw myself being able to do. I could have stayed in my comfort zone, but I knew this would be the first step to harness the boldness to do God's work. I took the step of faith and said yes.

My yes led me to see God's power and strength work through me. At the end of the Bible Study, the girls were all edified and resonated with the message. I realized that there was no reason for me to fear in the first place. I'm glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone because God opened my eyes to see the potential that I had through Christ. Not only did I grow from stepping out, but I was also able to be a blessing.

Outside our comfort zone is where we get to see God's power work through our weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Doing things out of our comfort zone will always seem to be the scariest thing, but we need to remember that through those experiences we will see God's strength working through our weaknesses. We will gain the boldness and courage to do things we never thought we could. As we step out of our comfort zone, we will find that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Each day is a new opportunity for us to see the fullness of God working through our lives. It's easy to stay comfortable and choose to do nothing, but there is so much a stake when we choose to do nothing. There are lives who need to see the love and hope that Jesus brings. I have to continuously challenge myself to be intentional in making the most of my time even with my friends who are unbelievers. It's uncomfortable for me to talk about Jesus with them because I don't want to be the "odd one", but I've realized that as Christians we are not supposed to "fit in". We were created to be the light in this dark world and stand out for Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

It's time for us to wake up and rise up to who God created us to be. Proverbs 6:9 says, "How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?" I've been in that sleeping state and I know I need to wake up.

Do you need a wake-up call? Is there something that God has been asking you to do but you've been holding back on? 

God has gifted each of us with talents to be used for His glory. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Are you living out the full potential God has for you? 

Maybe it's fear that's stopping you from stepping out, or maybe you have stepped out but haven't seen the results of your works. If that's you, keep going and don't grow weary in doing good, for in the proper time you will reap a harvest (Galatians 6:9). James 5:7 says, "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains."

When we do God's work we may not see the results right away. This may cause us to question whether we are doing what God is calling us to do, but it's in these moments when we must continue to pursue what He is putting in our hearts to do. God has amazing plans for each of us and it will require us to get out of our comfort zones to see it come to pass.

There's nothing that God can do when we choose to do nothing. But when we choose to get up and partner with God, He blesses the works of our hands. Psalm 90:17 says, "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands..."

God has plans to use us beyond what we could ever think or imagine. It's time for us to rise out of our comfort zones and do the work He created us to do. So remember, are you too comfortable?