Has God ever called you to step outside your comfort zone? To walk in unchartered territory? Have you ever felt unsure of yourself and your capabilities for something God has called you to do? As you think about what God has called you to do and take action, rely on these 5 Bible Verses about stepping out of your comfort zone to increase your faith.
It was two weeks of time alone with God. Time on my knees. Time completely outside my comfort zone. Time wondering why God called me. Time in tears. Time feeling small. Time wrestling the enemy. Time feeling like a minnow in an ocean of whales and sharks. Time trying to remember not only who I am but whose I am.
The time away started off well—I was with my family for three days as we visited a university my son had high hopes of attending. My mother’s heart simultaneously delighted in watching his excitement as he was on the precipice of his dreams, while at the same time realizing that the days and nights of having him in our home, the maker of so many of our “family chuckles” was quickly drawing to a close. It was almost too much to process at once.
They boarded the plane and my next adventure began: time to begin writing the Bible study God put on my heart, followed by several days at a conference before heading home.
As I took my place at my computer and stared at the blinking cursor on the blank screen, the enemy began what would be his relentless pursuit for the next 12 days.
“Who do you think you are?”
“What do you know about writing a Bible study?”
“Why do you think anyone will be interested in your study?”
“This is just a waste of your time.”
“You don’t know what you’re doing.”
“You should be home with your family who needs you.”
And on and on it went for days and nights.
Comfort Zone Bible Verses
As I sat down to write, I had to rely on God’s word to overcome fear, doubt and the enemy’s lies. These 5 Bible Verses about stepping out of your comfort zone increased my faith so I could overcome. At times, circumstances have required that I take a stand, step outside of my comfort zone and into bold courage where trusting God drives out fear.
1. Matthew 19:26
Has God ever asked you to do something and your response was, “Who, me?” Oh Sweet friend, it’s the enemy making you ask, “Who me?” The better question is “Why not you?!” You with God are unstoppable! And NOTHING is impossible WITH God! ”Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’” (Matthew 19:26)
2. 2 Timothy 1:7
As I battled my fears, I knew I had to stand on God’s truth, and you do too. The fear I felt was not from God, so every time it crept into my thinking, I had to remind myself, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Philippians 1:6
This study I was writing was not my idea. If I’m being honest, I never wanted to write a Bible study. I knew God had impressed it upon my heart. As hard as I tried, I could not ignore it. If I was called to write it, I knew He would help me, for His Word promises, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).
4. James 1:5
I had never written a study before. I felt in over my head. Yet, when God calls you to something, you must obey. And he promises that when we ask, He will lavishly give His wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
5. Jeremiah 29:11
Do you ever doubt yourself? Doubt your ability to succeed? Those are not your own thoughts. Those are lies from the enemy who already knows of the plans God has for you, to prosper you and to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). He’s just trying to make you doubt and give up short of the finish line. Don’t. God is the author of your story and the finisher of your faith. The next time the enemy tries to cause you to doubt yourself or your purpose, remind him of the truth!
These 5 Bible Verses about stepping out of your comfort zone are my favorites. What scripture do you rely on when God takes you out of your comfort zone?
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
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Powerful verses here! I especially love Jeremiah 29:11. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Debbie. Isn’t it wonderful that God gives us the tools we need for every situation? Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Such good verses, Michelle! I love all five of these. I’m grateful that we have a Savior to turn to when we feel incompetent on our own.
I don’t know what we’d do without Him, Lisa. His word is such a comfort! Because of Him, #HopePrevails
Amen. I call it — doing the work that scares satan. He wouldn’t be bugging us if he wasn’t threatened. 🙂 Look forward to seeing the study when you’re done. ((hug))
Thanks Brenda! The study is almost ready to send to the publisher! I agree…the enemy wouldn’t be trying so hard if he wasn’t threatened. Fortunately I know the truth: Greater is HE who is in me, than he who is in the world. Holding tight to Him!
I’m delighted. Thanks for sharing. I love 1Tim 1:7
I know this is the absolute truth. He used Ruth, and Rahab, who were not even women of faith at first, so why not us?
Great point!! And if we’re willing, He wants nothing more than to use us for our good and His glory.
The attacks on me have been intense ever since I started blogging. The feeling of not good enough, why me, you shouldn’t be doing this, who are you, and what do you think you’re doing have hit in on every level in the last two years. I’ve had to rely on the strength of Christ like never before. Thanks for sharing this lovely post. It helps to know that I’m not the only one who struggles with these things and that it really is the work of the evil one.
Michelle, I have struggled with similar issues when it comes to writing. It can be so easy to sit back and pretend God didn’t call us, but the truth is that He did. He called us all for a great purpose. Thank you for your encouraging words and thanks for linking up with #TuneInThursday yesterday. See you next week!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Love these verses of God’s truth. Thank you! We were on the same thought today… the most I shared had to do with 5 verses for when we are discouraged. May God bless you, friend. It’s an honor to be your neighbor at Deb’s. Hugs to you!
Michelle, Oh boy! Those questions from the enemy! Have I ever been there! He must use the exact same script with all of us! I loved your verses and the encouragement here. Thank you!
Such a great read with His insight! The enemy always tries to get us to question who God has called us and what He has called us to. He asked Jesus, “if you are the Son of God…” So many of the times, it’s the areas we struggle in most that He ends up using for His glory and our good. Blessings!!
I love Phil. 1.6. It’s one of my favorites. It’s so good to know He’s going to keep working in our lives no matter what!
Thank you for the wonderfully encouraging verses!
Great verses… and God does seem to take us outside of our comfort zones from time to time… and teaches us to trust Him more.
Thanks, I needed this today.
Love this. And love your question, “Why not me?!” This is definitely what I needed to hear today 🙂
I just read this article to my boss so he would quit whining about his new responsibilities! He was being a total chicken and he wouldn’t have gotten the promotion he prayed for if God didn’t have his back:) Thanks!
Visiting from Purposeful Faith
Great reminders, Michelle! I needed to hear this today!
Oh yes … I am so ready for “outside my comfort zone” to feel comfortable. But I guess it never will.
Dr. Michelle, I have gone through your Bible Study and let me tell you, you and the Lord did an amazing job putting it together. I went through it online and it was the first study I did that way. I was so blessed and learned so much. I have also read Hope Prevails, your original book and was encouraged by it. I have shared both books with others. I have had to step out of my comfort zone a LOT these past 25 years and each day is a new and exciting time of just following Jesus and hearing Father’s directions for me. I lived in fear for so many years and since my deliverance from it, the enemy tries his lies but I catch on to his tactics quicker than I used to do. Thank you for sharing these verses and your heart and life with me. I love and appreciate you so much.
very helpful
Great verses to help conquer fear and discomfort. laurensparks.net