Be More Like Moses...Leave Your Comfort Zone!

"We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are."  - Max DePree

From 1900 to 1967, the Swiss were the leading watchmakers in the world. In 1967, when digital technology was patented, the Swiss rejected it in favor of the traditional ball bearings, gears, and mainsprings they had been using to make watches for decades.

However, by the mid-sixties the world was ready for this new, technological advancement. Seiko, a Japanese company, saw its potential and picked up the digital patent; thus becoming the leading watch manufacturer in the world almost overnight!

Fifty thousand of the 67,000 Swiss watchmakers went out of business because they refused to embrace this new technology. It wasn't until years later that the Swiss caught up and regained their position in the marketplace with the creation of Swatch watches.

There's nothing wrong with being comfortable. It is safe and familiar. We know our way around in the "world of comfortable." There are no surprises and our routine is securely laid out in front of us. However, if we want to get something accomplished it generally means that we'll have to break out of our comfort zone.

Take Moses, for example. He had been living a comfortable life as a shepherd for about forty years when God called on him to save his people (Exodus 3:1-2). By this time, at age 80, he was far removed from being the young, man of action with a hot temper and anger issues.

Like many of us, Moses had been busy raising and supporting a family. Over the years he had also grown timid and resistant to change. And even though he probably thought his best days were behind him, God had different plans for him (Exodus 3:10)!

Yes, God had his eye on Moses and no one else would do. But, Moses would have to step out of his comfort zone if he was going to be of any use to God (Exodus 3:10). Although somewhat reluctantly, that's exactly what he did. There's a lesson in Moses' story for you and I.

Some of us may be reluctant to leave our safe "comfort zone"where we have reached an adequate or sufficent relationship with God. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that if  that's all you want. Meanwhile, as we quietly fly under the radar, our spiritual life satisfyingly mundane, we ask, "Why rock the boat?"

God never meant for our relationship with Him to be a complacent one. He desires a vibrantly participatory bond between us. It cannot simply be just a one-way connection. He wants us to be actively involved. Like Moses, we might be hesitant because of a lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem, or apathy.

It might be helpful to know that God is already aware of our anxieties, or reservations. None of this matters to Him, however. He is more than ready, willing and able to help us move forward; to help lift us from our comfort zone where we stagnantly sit (1 Chronicles 16:8).

Does this require anything drastic? Not at all. Even minor changes can get the ball rolling. Change up your prayers with some new ones. Try using a different Bible translation (e.g., King James Version to New International Version, or New Living Translation).

Perhaps a different Bible study method can be a refreshing change. Volunteer your time and skills in a different capacity than what you are normally used to. Even moving your Bible study time to a different part of the day can get the wheels turning again.

It really doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it with God's interests at heart. He didn't create us to be only spectators, He wants us to participate in His plans (Jeremiah 29:11-13). And, as in any loving relationship, both parties must be involved if it is to grow.

If any of this sounds familiar, don't just sit there. Do something about it! God will always do His part. It's us that need to get up and get moving. Comfortable is nice, but that's okay for shoes or a chair. God is seeking those willing to make a difference. Why not you?

Scripture: Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 16:15

Prayer: Dear God, You are my companion and guide; unburden my conscience and unload me of all anxieties. May You always lift me up, my Heavenly Father. Amen

God loves you!

Lauren