Stepping out of your comfort zone leads you straight into the arms of Jesus.
One of my proud parenting moments began like this, “How big is ______ “? (fill in name of child) Response: “So big”! says the child with arms outstretched wide. Over and over the child repeats the action each time the question is asked. The bigger the arms stretch the better. I remember asking my sons this very question. I smiled proudly as they showed off for family and friends.
It was a time of reaching beyond our comfort zone because we felt safe and secure. Stretching our arms wide to receive approval, love or affirmation was easy. Life took on a hue as easy as the banter of a mom asking her child how big he/she was. Second thoughts did not cross our minds, but instead we maneuvered life easily.
Fast forward to now and what seemed easy then looks very different. The parenting moments where you prompted your child to perform in some specific way are long gone. My grown sons are married and creating their own proud moments. Not with kids, but in how they maneuver their newly married lives. I no longer ask those silly questions, but wish that life still reflected those simple moments.
The questions get harder as you get older. The answers also are not as clear cut as repeating what your parents taught you when asked certain questions. I face bigger challenges requiring something beyond myself to complete. The safety net of growing up with parents to step in when needed is long gone. Now I encounter the question, “how big is your comfort zone”? as I seek brave faith to take me to the answer.
Several weeks ago, I wrote a post about meeting brave faith in the mountains. I ended with several things I learned along the way, hit publish and moved on. A dear online friend mentioned in her comment how I could easily develop each idea into its own blog post. From this comment, this post sprang forth. I know I do well with the easy questions, but stepping outside of my comfort zone leaves my mouth dry and stomach quivering.
How do you handle the easy questions of life? What do you do when God takes the questions to a new level and you find you must rely on Him? Do you let yourself step out of your comfort zone knowing God provides all you need?
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My hike in the mountains taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone leads you straight into the arms of Jesus. I reached the top of the mountain and was able to admire the beautiful waterfall because I let go of me and held on tight to Jesus. When one more step seemed like too much or the people hiking down the path relayed I still had over halfway to go, I looked past myself. I whispered, “how big are you Jesus”? He replied “So big” and his outstretched arms reached beyond the horizon.
Today I encourage you to let go. Your comfort zone will reach farther than your outstretched arms when you walk into the arms of Jesus. Let Him lead you forward when the way is difficult and the terrain is tough. He will never lead you astray and He will give you all you need.
Stepping into the arms of Jesus,
You may find me hanging out at these lovely places today.
Mary, this is gorgeous — and as I read, I began making a list of all the things that I do to keep myself from thinking outside my zone: staying busy, sticking to the list, functioning tired so that everything seems bigger and harder than it really is.
I’m behind on my blog reading, so I”m not finding this until Father’s Day, but maybe that’s ok, because these holidays can be challenging. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers today as you find your way into a new way of enjoying God on a day when the path forward is not exactly clear.
Stepping our of our comfort zones is not easy, but I agree that when we do, we find Jesus there. I’m glad that we can step out, knowing that what really matters is not how big we are but how big Jesus is.
It doesn’t matter how big we are but how big Jesus is – AMEN! I imagine you have quite a few stories of stepping out of your comfort zone. You should write about them sometime. Blessings and hugs!
I love your journey to more courage and bravery, Mary! And being a mom of adult children is truly harder than I ever thought it would be. Our sons face such serious challenges as adults and that makes it hard to trust that Jesus has them in His hands. But our God truly is SO big! I’m learning to grow in my faith like you as well, my friend! Thanks for inspiring us to fall into Christ’s arms whenever we feel anxious!
Awww, my comment got erased. 🙁 I so appreciated what you had to say in this post, Mary. I’m not gonna lie. I like my comfort zones. Always have. God’s challenged me (gently, so far) off and on over the years. Knowing the plan and sticking to it make me feel safe. But, God. God knows the plans He has for me (and each of His children), and He knows what is best for us. The deeper I grow with Him, the ore quickly I am choosing to say yes and step forward when He beckons.
I loved this post, my friend!
Thank you for sticking with this even after losing your comment. I also like my comfort zones because they keep me in a place of familiar. God always has the best plan and we just need to embrace it. I pray we both continue to let God do what He does best as we grow deeper with Him.
I like my life comfortable, but like you said, as time has gone by, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone over and over. And now sometimes it almost seems like a good adventure. Especially if I remember my Father is right beside me every step of the way.
I love seeing you here today. God certainly loves to push us out of our comfort zone. All we need to do is say “yes”. Sounds easy, right? I pray as God keeps moving you to new challenges you feel comfortable saying “yes” over and over. Blessings!
I find the older I get Mary to more I can step out of my comfort zone, but come to think of it, I truly believe it is because I know my Jesus better and love Him more. He provides me with the strength and tools I need. I look back at the last 4 years and all I’ve jumped into that I would not have dreamed up before that – blogging, leading teams and groups in Bibles studies, and blogging.
This brings me so much hope. I have been wishing that taking that step would become easier and it sounds like it has for you. You affirmed that knowing Jesus is what we need. I am blessed you stopped by today.
Thank You for reminding me that sometimes you just need to let go,
You’re welcome! I pray we both feel this reminder knowing how God’s arms will always be able to carry our burdens.
Mary,
This is beautiful! When we’re little the thought of being “So BIG” thrills us, but when we’re adults that same thought can turn us into shrinking violets. That’s how I felt when God kept tugging at me to begin RCF, Inc. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I ran and dragged my feet for a long time. I think God wanted me to do just what you said – go running full on into His arms. In our own strength we might be big, but we can’t be SO BIG or glorify God in SO BIG ways.
Loved this…
Blessings,
Bev xx
God’s call to be big for Him looks nothing like answering a simple question when we are kids. I know you probably bargained with God before you began RCF but what you have done and how He has blessed the ministry since you said “yes” is amazing. I pray you feel free to always run into God’s arms knowing He is there to catch you.
“I face bigger challenges requiring something beyond myself to complete.” This statement represents stepping out of our comfort zone so truthfully! Today my challenge on my facebook page is about stepping out of the comfort zone, and my devotional spoke to me of how God gives us all we need. I am definitely challenged by comfort zone right now, and it has to to do with the fear of being judged, as well as others. By allowing any of those fears to dictate next steps, then I stop being God’s messenger. Yes, He will never lead us astray. Thank you for being God’s messenger today, Mary!
It sounds like God is speaking similar words to you Lynn. I am wondering when you are challenged by the fear of being judged how you let God intervene. It gives me a different perspective than what I feel when I step out of my comfort zone. I pray you allow God to use you as His messenger even when the first step is the hardest step. Thank you for stopping by!