Are You Confined to a Comfort Zone?

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Comfort Zone

A few years ago, I began attending meetings of Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA). Later, I was honored to become the Nashville area Director. I am amazed at this wonderful group of Christian women that come together for education, inspiration, networking and encouraging others. They are authors, speakers, publishers, are involved in social media, television, radio, the arts and entertainment. These women have exited their comfort zones to serve God using the gifts He has given them. There are a few common denominators these women possess. Many have experienced hardships in life and have risen above them. At our last meeting we listened to a woman who recently authored a book after experiencing years of struggle dealing with the murder of her father.

Many of these women have suffered through domestic violence, sexual abuse, drug and/or alcohol addition, emotional trauma, career loss and a myriad of other of life’s discouragements. It would have been easy for them to live their lives mired in their situations, but they chose to rise above them. God has given them a voice and a desire to minister to others for the Glory of their Savior. They were in a zone, it would be difficult to categorize it as a comfort zone, but with God’s help moved into a victory zone. When you listen to their stories about where they began their journeys you will hear words like fear, uncertainty, and confusion. With God’s help you now hear words like victory, joy, satisfaction, completeness, faith and service. Of course, a critical question is not only what we are doing but more importantly, why we are doing it. What we do, should be about glorifying the Lord and not ourselves.

These are women like you and me, but they chose to overcome their fears and leave the zone they were living in to become victorious in Christ. Now they proclaim victory through their books, blogs, television programs, music and many other vehicles. They all have ministries that have been given them by God to share their stories for His glory. I vividly recall a time when a friend, repeatedly said, “you need to tell your story and write a book”. He said, don’t let what you’ve lived be wasted. I was afraid to undertake the writing of a book. One of my greatest fears in life is making a fool of myself. I felt like Moses when he made excuses as God was calling him to leave his comfort zone, face his challenges and lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. With God’s help, I wrote my book and many people have told me it has had a positive impact on their lives for Christ. Sadly, many people tell me they have always wanted to write a book but did not dare try it.

I am told that long distance runners always come to a point called “the wall” where they feel like they can run no farther. They either quit or keep facing the challenge. Once they pass through the wall it gets easier. It is a matter of choice whether we pass through the wall of self-doubt and fear to accomplish the things God places on our hearts. One of my favorite sayings is “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”. When God places a dream in your heart, He will give you the tools to achieve your dream. He did it for Moses, and with the women in CWIMA and he will do it for you. Do you really believe the promises of God? Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through God who strengthens me”. Do you truly believe that promise? If yes, then get out of your comfort zone and let God lead to a place where you can fulfill your dreams and be a witness for him in the process.

Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through God who strengthens me”.