Do you sometimes feel half alive? Half faithful? Half obedient? Half the totally committed Christian you long to be?
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. James 1:23–24
The Bible has much to say about how we should live. It is a divinely inspired text that contains absolute truth and wisdom that’s as relevant for us today as it was when God breathed it into existence.
“Breathed it into existence.” This is one of my favorite things to ponder from the bible. I absolutely love the image.
“16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).”
So, it’s understandable that with so much packed into one book, it might take some effort not just to read it but effectively apply its teachings to our lives. One often overlooked tactic of unlocking the power of scripture is the simple act of reflection. When we read the Holy Scriptures, we need to make time in our busy lives to seriously think about not only what it says, but its implications for our lives.
The Bible shows us who God is and who we are as children of God. It transforms our hearts. It makes sense of our fallen world, helping us discern what is of God and what is of man. And it can cut to the heart of any matter we’re facing in life. So, we shouldn’t just read the Bible, we should let it speak to our innermost being.
Remember, the Bible is God’s Word. He speaks to us through scripture. If someone you looked up to and admired told you something that would help you emulate their success, not only would you pay attention, but you’d likely take notes and refer back to them often. We should think of the Bible in a similar way. Don’t just half-heartedly read your Bible and then check it off your to-do list. Dive deep into His Word and thoughtfully reflect upon its meaning. And don’t just do this once. Revisit passages that have jumped out at you in the past and reevaluate them with fresh eyes.
When we allow the message of God’s Word to sink into our hearts and minds, it will meet us wherever we are in life.
“63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[a] and life. (John 6:63 NIV).”
“12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV).”
Have you noticed a change in your behavior and attitudes? If not, consider ways you could more intentionally reflect on what God might be trying to say to you.
The quote “life begins at the end of your comfort zone” suggests that true fulfillment and personal growth are achieved by stepping outside of one’s familiar and comfortable routines. It encourages individuals to embrace challenges and uncertainty, as this can lead to new experiences, self-discovery, and a more meaningful life.
I think this is important as often God asks us to step outside our comfort zone, whether it be in ministry, talking to someone, reaching out to people on the fringes, stepping into new areas, or making changes within ourselves.
Stepping outside of a comfort zone often involves confronting fears, whether it’s fear of failure, judgment, or the unknown. By challenging oneself, we can develop new skills, overcome limitations, and expand our horizons. This puts us in new positions to serve and please God.
Leaving the comfort zone opens the door to new activities, relationships, and perspectives. Experiencing new situations and confronting fears can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself. By embracing challenges and taking risks, individuals can create a more vibrant and meaningful life.
There was once a time when I would only do what I knew was comfortable for me. I knew what was safe when it came to making decisions. I knew what wouldn’t scare me too much, what would keep me glued to the floor of where I already am, and what would shape me into becoming someone who would consistently continue to do what I already knew worked for my life. However, little did I realize at the time that this is not the right path for me. Enter God.
After living the same type of life for so long, I decided that there was more for me. Although it was uncomfortable at first, I pushed myself to get involved in things that I wouldn’t normally. God was pursuing me, and I decided to stop running. I started to share more about myself and open up more. By doing these things that I found uncomfortable, I pushed myself to become comfortable, which only made me strive to want to find more parts of life to open myself up to.
There is a quote attributed to several people, that a number of authors claim as theirs:“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Maybe it’s actually God’s quote in a way (not putting words in God’s mouth here 😊)
Regardless, read that quote again: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Where is your comfort zone? Where are your boundaries? Where is God asking you to push beyond your boundaries?
Do you know?
If you don’t, keep asking.
Being stuck in a repetitive life is not the proper way to live it. The saying “you only live once” holds a lot of truth. You only get to be here once, so make the most of it. Push yourself to do something you wouldn’t normally do, and go beyond your comfort zone because that is where life truly does begin. You will become amazed at what you have checked off your bucket list, and you will find out new things about yourself as a person by experiencing parts of life that you haven’t before.
It is so important to make the most out of the short time that you have on this planet, and the best way to do that is to break away from your repetitive, safe life and start to do things you would never have believed you were capable of.
Admittedly, these things could include a lot of crazy bucket list stuff, from skydiving to travel. But we’re talking God here. Kinda the point of this newsletter.
There are a few ways you can begin to push past your comfort zone. First, make a bucket list. It sounds simple enough, and it is that simple! All you need to do is write down a list of things that you want to do or accomplish. Maybe you want to try a pottery class, travel to Europe, or swim with turtles (as I did), no matter what it is, do it! A bucket list isn’t useful unless you are actually going to achieve it.
Amidst the bucket list, journal freely.
Pray. Let God speak to you.
Read the Bible. Hear His words.
Feel the Holy Spirit in you.
This is how you feel God’s leading, His push. When He pushes against your boundaries, freely break through them even when it’s uncomfortable.
If you have a friend or significant other who is also interested in experiencing more of their life, then you can join forces and work together. That way, you can push each other to actually go out and experience. And, when you are uncomfortable, they can help you push beyond it.
Life is about experiencing it. Don’t miss out on an amazing opportunity to better yourself or learn something valuable. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone, so find your comfort zone and demolish it.
The purpose of human existence is to honor and fulfill the will of God, which we know is about living a life of service, love, and obedience to God. Serving God is intimately connected to serving others. This can be seen as a way of embodying God’s love and compassion in the world.
Serving God often involves making a positive impact on the world, whether through acts of charity, advocacy, or simply being a good role model.
The pursuit of serving God leads to the development of virtues such as humility, compassion, and selflessness.
We serve God, because God served us first. Jesus died on the cross for us. And, at the end, Tetelestai – it is finished.
A reminder of His sacrifice.
A reminder that He is with us.
But sometimes, I forget. Though well-intentioned, seasons and circumstances have come and made an impact. Wear and tear on my heart, body, and spirit. And my faith, once full of passion and discipline, sometimes fades.
Then there are days when I get swept up and don’t talk to God or forget that He’s with me. And I struggle to read my Bible—unsure of where to start or unable to fully understand what I’m reading.
Through all these things, God remains. True, faithful, and constant. Through my failings, He is good. When I crawl back into my comfort zone, He remains.
Though I don’t always understand Him, He always understands me.
He’s not going anywhere.
He’s paid in full.
He finished what He started.
He chose us.
He died for us.
He is with us even now.
He is inside my comfort zone. He is also outside my comfort zone.
For God and you,
Deb Bostwick
Single Adults Blogger