rich minds, rich rewards
Is It time to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone?
CBNMoney.com – Over the last week, my husband and I have been pondering a major decision that would take us out of our comfort zone. We’ve prayed about it and listened for God’s guidance. In the process, one of the things I’ve noticed is how easy it is for the noise of one’s emotions to interfere with hearing that divine inner voice that always provides the wisest answer. Indeed there is a difference between emotionally-guided decisions and spiritually-guided ones, but have you noticed that it can sometimes be challenging to discern the difference?
It is essential not to allow doubt, anxiety or worry to keep you from stepping out of your comfort zone in divine timing. As I felt some anxiety creeping in about our decision, this scripture came to mind:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God …” - Philippians 4:6
As I followed each action the scripture advises, I felt the fear dissipate and peace permeate my spirit. Consider an area of your life in which fear, doubt, worry or anxiety are interfering with your ability to take action or make a decision that will take you beyond your comfort zone. Then follow the three simple steps advised in Philippians 4:6:
1. Pray. ("...but in everything by prayer and supplication...")
Why is it that when we face a challenge, we sometimes shift into overdrive with trying to figure things out, speculating about the future and overthinking decisions. Let go of the need to feel like you can control the outcome and pray about it. Then listen for divine wisdom to guide you.
2. Make a gratitude list. ("...with thanksgiving...")
Consider the various dynamics of your circumstance and identify what you are thankful for. Getting clear about the blessings that exist in the midst of your fears, doubts, anxieties or worries can shift your perspective and give you newfound confidence to move forward. What strengths exist that you need to focus on that explain why you should step out of your comfort zone?
3. Make a list of your requests and ask God to meet them. (..."let your requests be made known to God..."
You can have what you need and even desire – but you must ask, believing that you can have it. It’s an exercise in faith! All things work together for good for those who love God, so trust that even if you don’t understand why things are not working out as you think they should, ultimately, they will work together for your good.
When it is time to step out of your comfort zone, it is normal to feel fear. If there is no fear, it often means you are still in your comfort zone! The key is to remember that your comfort zone is about certainty and familiarity. Even when something isn’t working in your life, you can sometimes prefer it because it is familiar and you know what to expect. But keep in mind that your current comfort zone was once unfamiliar, too. It was something new – a “discomfort zone.” Trust that as you step up to the next level, it won’t be new and unfamiliar forever. It, too, will become a comfort zone. Be willing to endure the process and you’ll see the desires of your heart consistently come to life.
Journaling Assignment:
What is it that specifically makes you uncomfortable about your discomfort zone? Often, we have fear because we focus more on what might go wrong than we do on what might go right. What would life look like if your vision or goal came to life just as you’d hoped it would?
My challenge to you this week:
Believe it or not, this is the 26th week of the year - the halfway point of 2006. What do you need to start working on that you said you would do this year? When will you take action?
A sought-after life coach and speaker, Valorie Burton seeks to inspire people to live more fulfilling, less stressful lives. She is the author of Listen to Your Life, What’s Really Holding You Back?, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, and her latest, Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic Confidence.
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