Breaking Up With Your Comfort Zone

Comfort. Who doesn't like being comfortable. It's easy, it's something were used to. You don't have to face change, and the things that come with it. It's simple. And I'm not talking about the kind of comfort like relaxing after a long day, or how comfortable your shoes are. I mean the big stuff. Those things in life that you're afraid of doing. Whether it be public speaking (like me) or something bigger.

When we're trapped in our comfort zone, it's a place of security because there are no imposing threats to it. For me, public speaking is something that has been, and is hard for me to do. But I'm working on getting out of that comfort that I've placed myself in. God calls us to be bold and courageous because after all, He IS with us at all times. God says He will never forsake us; that means when your trembling with fear because youre trying something new. Even when we ask God "Send someone else, anyone but me" He kindly looks at us and reminds us of His power and might. One of my favorite bible passages is that of Moses in Egypt. Moses was terrified!

"But Moses pleaded with the Lord , “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord ? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4: 10-12 NLT

How many times have we passed up an opportunity because we were afraid, or we thought we weren't equipped for it. It's funny because God wants you out of your comfort zone, so He will tug at a specific area of your life. If you keep reading the rest of the passage you see that Moses really wasn't having it and he pleaded to have someone else be the speaker. So God chose Aaron. I don't know about you, but I don't want fear to stop me from living out the plan that God has for me. So it's time to be uncomfortable;  to run away from the all too familiar and to run into the unknown. Something new. All it really is is an opportunity for growth. Reach for it!

It's time we realize that we can really do all things through Christ. That means it won't be with your strength but His. Its time to breakup with our comfort zone because it really gets you nowhere. You are not free when you're in that zone because something will always hold you back. You say you want to go deeper in a relationship with God, but you're stuck in your little bubble, when He wants you to go deeper. If you have to be a little uncomfortable in the process,  so be it, because in the end you will have gained so much more than you could have ever imagined. Just remember, even though it may be scary, you are NOT alone.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."  John 15:1-5

Dear Comfort Zone,

....It's over.

♥ Lots of Love, Michelle ♥

In Unity there is Strength

I hope everyone is having a great day today! So today is Family Day in Ontario, a day that no-one has to work and you get to take a day to enjoy your family. It's pretty great actually; no school or work, late breakfast, hanging out watching movies all day. Its pretty sweet. But just like valentines day, we shouldn't take just one or two days out of 365 to express our love and how much we care for one another, especially our families. The way I see it, if God only waited until the holidays to love us then we would be in trouble, lost, most likely dead somewhere. God doesn't wait for a special occasion to love on us, nor does He take a holiday from loving us. So why should we? God calls us to be united, and to love one another. I'm guilty of not expressing my love for my friends and family every day, but I'm trying. Take the time to show those you care for how much they really mean to you! You never know how much they might need to hear it.

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
Proverbs 18:21 NLT

Use your words for good and not evil! Often times we use our words to break people more often than to build them up. Absolutely everyone has said something that has hurt someone they love; its inevitable. But what I believe is that you can make it right. Apologize and take responsibility for your words and actions. Replace those hurtful words with words that edify and bring hope and love. I challenge you to be more mindful of your words and how much they can truly affect a persons day. So use your words to build stronger relationships rather than tearing them down.

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all." Ephesians 4:2-6 NLT

This passage is so good! I love it! It shows me the basic instructions for us to live in unity. It calls for us to be humble, gentle, patient and to make an active EFFORT. Woah! Does that mean I have to actually make time for my family? (at home and even our families in Christ) Does that mean I have to put aside my differences and try to make things work? Does that mean I have to apologize even if something wasn't my fault? Yes, yes and YES! We play a very active role in a family. Both at home and at church. Everyone is vital to Gods kingdom, and everyone; big or small, young or old plays an important role in the body of Christ.

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."
Romans 12:4-5 NLT

It's pretty clear, am I right? So God calls us to unity, to love, and to work together. I think a lot of the time we let others take the responsibility to make a change. But I think its time we give ourselves a little more credit.  You can make a huge difference. If you don't feel like you are loved, start to show love to others, if you feel like there is no unity, take a bold step and begin to show love, patience and all the steps that bring us closer to being united.  Show those around you how much you love them in a Christ-like way. We often forget to express our feelings, especially since we may be so wrapped up in life. Just take a moment and do it. You wont lose anything. 

 
With lots of love, Michelle ♡