Unravel Hidden PotentialSýnishorn

Out of the Comfort Zone

The scene where Moses, enacted by Charlton Heston, standing with his hands raised as God parted the Red Sea in the movie The Ten Commandments, still brings a lump to my throat. It is one of the most powerful scenes in movie history. We see a totally transformed Moses from the one looking for excuses to back out of God’s plan, to the one leading God’s people out of slavery to the Promised Land. It is one of the greatest events in the Bible.

Benjamin Franklin said, ‘He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else’. Making excuses comes easy to all of us, especially when it means taking up a new responsibility or taking an uncharted, unfamiliar path. We are happy to stay in our comfort zone, feeling safe, but leading unfulfilled lives. And over time, we start believing that this is how our lives are going to be.

We question our competence, focus on our fears and failures, and rationalize whether we are really equipped to face whatever challenge is before us. Sometimes, it is sheer slothfulness (Pro 26:13). Whatever our justifications, they stop us from enjoying the abundant life that God wants for us. (Jn 10:10)

So what changed Moses? He placed before God all his vulnerabilities and fears (Ex 3:11-4:17). And what did God do? He changed Moses’ perspective − showing him a way out for every physical or mental block he faced.

Often, a wrong understanding of who we are, and what we can or cannot achieve, reflects in the decisions we make. Therefore, we live lives that do not align with God’s plan and often perform below our potential.

Bring before God, one by one, every block and hindrance and He will renew your mind to know your true potential. Allow God to deal with what is holding you back and help you see beyond your anxieties and inadequacies, as He did for Moses when He took him from being a shepherd to becoming the leader of a nation.

Step out of your comfort zone. Do not settle for less. He expects you to do greater things. (Jn 14:12)

Lord, help me to trust, not in my abilities, but in You, because You are able.