Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone to do something out of the ordinary?
A time where I had to step out of my comfort zone was in Primary School, a really bold move: getting my hair wet in swimming lessons.
Yes, I know this sounds daft!
I was never a confident swimmer (I only achieved a teddy bear award) and having Afro-Caribbean hair meant that swimming pools dried up my hair creating frizz which sadly made me a target for bullying.
My teachers, swimming instructors and mum tried everything, even buying me a swimming cap which made me look like a giant egg yolk. Eventually, at the deep end of the Children’s pool, I ducked my head under the water and got my hair wet! It was such a monumental achievement that I got presented with a school certificate in an assembly, much to the confusion of the other pupils for such a simple task.
Another person who stepped out of their comfort zone was Peter the disciple. In Matthew 14, the disciples leave the crowds ahead of Jesus on a boat. During the night, Jesus appears to them on the water, making the disciples freak out! But Peter is bold and asks Jesus to prove He is who He says He is.
“Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?”
– Matthew 14: 28-32
Peter was bold and daring enough to step out of the boat, defying the laws of what seemed possible. He believed he could do something radical with Jesus. And it began by having enough faith to step out of the boat.
I believe this can be a challenge for us; what will we step out of the boat to do? Maybe it’s putting God’s ways ahead of our or our friends’ ways of doing things. Maybe it’s sharing your faith with friends, or taking up a new role in your church or youth group. Or maybe it’s being more confident in church to worship God without worrying what everyone thinks.
The list is endless, but do spend some time with God asking Him what it is he would like you to do.
When stepping out to do courageous and bold things for God, he doesn’t just say “off you go” and leave us to it, He goes with us to those places of unfamiliarity. Jesus was with Peter on the water; He picked him up when Peter started to flounder.
“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28: 20
Be encouraged that great things are possible if you have the faith to step out for and with God!
