Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for” –John A. Shedd
There is no growth without discomfort. Every man who has grown in character, strength, or faith has first been stretched beyond his comfort zone. It’s the great paradox of spiritual maturity: God loves you just as you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there.
You will never discover the full measure of what God has placed inside you by staying where it’s safe. True growth—spiritual, mental, physical—happens on the edge of discomfort. As David Goggins says, “When your mind tells you you’re done, you’re really only at 40%.” That’s not just motivational talk. That’s a biblical principle.
Scripture reminds us of God’s higher purpose and perspective:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” —Isaiah 55:8
“For I know the plans I have for you… to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11
God’s plans require our participation. They require faith that acts, courage that steps, and obedience that stretches. Romans 5:3–4 (AMP) makes it plain:
“…hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character… and proven character, hope…”
Trials are coming either way. But what if, instead of waiting passively, we pursued the kind of challenges that build us? What if we looked for opportunities to get uncomfortable—for the sake of growth?
That’s what we did when we started a run club here at Remnant. Most guys had little to no experience, but they showed up—at 5AM—and pushed beyond what they thought was possible. One or two hours of running turned into breakthrough moments, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. The growth didn’t come because they were strong—it came because they were willing to be stretched.
Stretching doesn’t have to mean running. For me, writing this article was a stretch. I had every excuse: I’m not a writer. I’m not qualified. I’ve never done this before. But I realized I could either stay stuck—or step out and see what God might do with my small “yes.”
Maybe someone has asked you to lead a Crew or step up in your church. Maybe God has been nudging you toward something uncomfortable. Don’t ignore it. That might be your next step. And your breakthrough won’t come until you take it.
Growth always begins with faith, and faith will always require a stretch. The question is: Are you willing?
Application Questions:
- How have past trials in your life shaped your character and increased your endurance?
- Have you said “no” to something recently out of fear or insecurity that you may need to revisit?
- What’s one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step outside your comfort zone?
- Who in your life can help hold you accountable to stretch and grow in this next season?