What if God wants to get you out of your comfort zone?

We are all guilty of turning up our noses from time to time. Especially in uncomfortable situations, where someone may be different than us or believe differently from us. The easiest thing in the world is to surround ourselves with people who think and act just like we do.

While it is natural to cling to what's easy and acceptable, Jesus does the opposite. God could have denied us in a heartbeat and been completely justified. But He saw us and loved us as His beautiful children no matter our race, size, wealth, position, or outward appearance. And He calls us to do the same (John 13:34, Hebrews 13:1-2).

Step Away from the Comfortable

In Acts 10, God told two different men, Peter and Cornelius, of very different cultures and political statures, to get together and talk. Peter the devout Jew who was no doubt raised with the teaching that Gentiles (like Cornelius) were not God’s people and not to be associated with. Awkward! 

It would be like Queen Elizabeth inviting you over for tea. For you, that would be amazing. But for her, well, she probably has better things to do.

Despite this awkwardness, Acts 10:29 records Peter saying, “So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection.” Peter did not question why he was supposed to speak with someone so different. Peter heard God’s instruction and obeyed. 

Sometimes God instructs us away from what is comfortable and familiar toward the unknown. 

What would our world be like if we all simply obeyed no matter the consequences? 

God tells us to give away all our money? We obey. 

God tells us to adopt an orphan? We obey. 

God tells us to move to China? We obey. 

God tells us to live in the “rough” side of town? We obey!

God Is Trustworthy

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Maybe there are some awkward tasks, some frightening instructions, and some just plain uncomfortable situations in our futures. But before you say no, put yourself in Jesus’ shoes the night before His crucifixion. It was frightening and uncomfortable, yet He obeyed. 

God has good plans for us, we can trust Him when He calls us to obedience, even if it is something difficult.