"Out of My 'Comfort Zone'"

 

“Out of My ‘Comfort Zone’”

 

The term “comfort zone” was coined by Judith Bardwick in her 1991 book Danger in the Comfort Zone which she described as “a state where people feel safe, in control, and experience low stress”. Most of us would rather live and work under such conditions (including yours truly) than in circumstances that call for us to do what we’d rather not since they may call for unwelcome changes.

I went on my first short-term missions trip to Honduras in 2004. Karen had gone on two trips previously (China and Honduras) and a number of people from our Manchester church had traveled to different places to serve in construction, medical clinics, leadership training and other ministries. I’d had a life long interest in missions, albeit from afar, but felt God’s tug to be part of this team even though it was out of my “comfort zone”. When the departure day arrived I was anxious but thought I’d hidden it well. Several days into this new adventure I shared with our team leader that it wouldn’t have taken much for me to get back on the plane and return home. He said he knew that and had been praying for me. His prayers were answered as I went on three other trips over the next several years. It was a joy to see people from other countries and cultures respond positively to the message of Christ and grow in Him.

Since this wake-up call of 20+ years ago Karen and I have been faced with other situations which required us to leave a “comfort zone”: transition from the pastorate to health care chaplaincy, two relocations to new states, becoming part of churches in which we knew no one and traveling to new places, among other changes. These new experiences weren’t always easy for us but God’s always given us “…grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). And we’ve often found that our fears weren’t to be feared.

The Apostle Paul moved from his “comfort zone” of legalistic Judaism to following, serving and suffering for Christ. But he wrote inspired words of what he’d learned that help us move from our “comfort zone”: “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11,13, emphasis added). Have I learned this? Have you?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan