EquipHer Vol. 6: "The Key to Unstoppable Growth"Sample

Day 2: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Why is it so difficult to step out of our comfort zones, even when we know God is calling us to do so? The Bible continually demonstrates how true growth and fruitfulness come precisely when we are called to make courageous choices. Choices that often seem risky, scary, and uncertain.God does not promise us that it will always be easy, but He assures us of His continual presence throughout every step of the way (Isaiah 41:10).

The story of Abraham is a great example of what it means to step outside our comfort zone, trust God, and face the unknown. God called Abraham to leave everything he knew and travel to an unknown territory (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham could have refused and decided to have stayed in the safety and comfort of his home, however, he decided to take a faith-filled step and obey the call from God. As a result, God abundantly blessed him, as Abraham would become a role model of our faith for generations to come, and his descendants would multiply as the number of stars in the sky (Genesis 12:1-3).

God also calls us to take steps of courage and trust Him even when we do not clearly see the path ahead. When Jesus called Peter to walk on water (Matthew 14:28-29), Peter was described as being fearful and doubtful with each step he took, however, he still chose to trust and step out of the boat which allowed him to experience God’s power in a way he would have never known by staying within the confines of the boat.

This story also applies to me and to you: when God calls us to step out of the boat, He does it to lead us to a deeper level of faith in Him, where we can experience true multiplication and expansion in our lives. Responding to this call means allowing God to amplify the impact of the gifts and talents He has placed within us.

Pastor Wendy and Carrie took this same challenge of stepping “out of the boat” - outside their comfort zones - and as a result, experienced a move of God through their joint talents and gifting. If it hadn't been for intentional action, EquipHer could have remained a hidden seed, tucked away and incapable of impacting the lives of hundreds of women.

Reflective Question

• What concrete actions can you take today to step outside your comfort zone and turn your ideas and desires into real projects to work on?

Prayer

Lord, I realize that growing requires courage. Help me to trust You and take those steps of faith that call me to step outside my comfort zone. Give me the strength to embrace the unknown, knowing that You are by my side. Make me bold and persevering, so that I may bear fruit for Your glory. Amen.