Get Uncomfortable
- Cathrine Schmelzer
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
“When we step into God’s comfort zone, we step into His strength, His nearness, His peace, His promises, and His purpose.”
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NLT
I love to be comfortable, especially this time of year. I get the fireplace going, put on my comfy clothes, and curl up with a good book or movie. It’s easy to forget that outside my door the world is freezing. That is, until I have to go run errands…and then my world of comfort is shattered. I’d love to stay in my cozy spot forever, but as a mom I know that’s not possible. I have to get the groceries, pick up the kids, run errands, go to doctors appointments, clean…and the list goes on and on. I have to stand up and face the cold world that awaits me outside my warm home.
As moms, we have to step into uncomfortable situations all the time. We are stretched and pulled in all directions and through many different seasons. So, sometimes we cling to what feels safe, or we build tiny “comfort zones” that give us an illusion of control. But God gently invites us to step out of our comfort and into His.
Paul reminds us in these verses, that God is the God of all comfort. Not the God of ease, not the God of predictability, but the God who meets us right in the middle of “all our troubles.” His comfort is not the absence of difficulty, but His presence in the midst of it. When we step into God’s comfort zone, we step into His strength, His nearness, His peace, His promises, and His purpose.
We don’t have to step out alone. The God who calls you out of what’s comfortable walks with you into what’s holy. Look to Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10. You may feel stretched, but you are not abandoned. You may feel unsure, but you are not unsupported. You may feel unqualified, but Christ is fully sufficient.
God may be pushing you out of your “comfort zone” today, but don’t step out in fear. Lean into His loving embrace and remember there is purpose in your stretching and a compassion for others that’s being grown through every challenge we face.
Take time today to reflect on a time God pushed you out of your comfort zone and brought you closer to Him.
Go to God: God, thank You for being the God of all comfort. Help me step out of my own limited comfort zone and into Your boundless one. When the unfamiliar feels overwhelming, remind me that Your presence goes with me. Use the comfort You’ve given me to bless and strengthen others. In every season, let me rest in You. Amen.
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Tuesday:
Read all of 2 Corinthians 1, note how Paul talks to the people of Corinth, how he encourages them to step out in their walk with Christ. He is the perfect example of stepping out of our own comfort zone and into Christ's purpose.
Wednesday:
Is there someone in your life that needs comfort? If yes, reach out to them today. Use your knowledge of Christ to help them through their situation. It can even be a way for you to step out of your own “comfort zone.”
Thursday:
Take time today to ask God about the areas in your life that you need to step out in faith more. Maybe it’s a relationship, or a job, at your church, in your community, or even in your own walk with God. Put it out there that you are ready for Him, to stretch and mold you into the next phase in His plans for your life. Be ready to get uncomfortable!
Written by April Ross, mom of 3 and still learning to step out of the comfort zone
