What If Your Calling Is Just Beyond Your Comfort Zone?

Hey friends,

Last week, I shared something that had been weighing on my heart following the CBMC National Conference here in Columbus.

The danger of spiritual drift.

And the importance of intentionally pulling up a chair, getting quiet, and reconnecting with our Heavenly Father.

But that leads us to another question.

Once we've spent time listening to God, are we willing to follow where He's leading?

Because sometimes, what He asks of us isn't exactly comfortable.

In fact, I've come to learn something that's both encouraging and downright challenging.

No one fulfills their God-given calling while remaining comfortably inside their comfort zone.

Think about a fruit tree.

Some of the sweetest, most desirable fruit grows out toward the ends of the branches.

You can stand comfortably beneath the tree, reaching for what's easy. Or you can stretch a little farther, take a chance, and discover what's waiting beyond your comfortable reach.

Isn't life much the same?

We want to grow, but we resist discomfort.

We pray for opportunities, but hesitate when they arrive.

We ask God to use us, then get nervous when He opens a door we weren't expecting!

Believe me, I know that feeling.

When Mike and I stepped out in faith to start Dulci Sweets, we weren't experienced chocolate makers with a perfectly mapped-out plan.

We had a conviction, a calling, and plenty of unknowns.

And while the journey hasn't always been comfortable, I've learned that faith doesn't require knowing every step. It requires trusting the One who does.

Two Questions That Could Change Everything

At the recent CBMC conference, my good friend Jared Weston shared two questions that have stayed with me.

Simple questions. But boy, do they carry some weight!

1. God, who do YOU say YOU are?

2. God, who do YOU say I am?

Notice the order.

Before we can truly understand our purpose, we need to deepen our understanding of the One who created us.

And before we allow the world, our circumstances, or our past mistakes to define us, shouldn't we seek the truth about who God says we are?

Worthy. Valued. Loved.

Not because of what we've accomplished, but because of whose we are.

Here's where these two weeks come together.

We pull up a chair to reconnect with God.

We seek His wisdom to understand our calling.

And then?

We get up and take that next faithful step.

Whatever it is, don't let comfort become the ceiling on your calling.

Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding.

So, here's my challenge.

Spend some quiet time asking those two questions. Then consider what step of faith you've been avoiding.

And I'd love to hear from you:

What's one thing you feel called to do, but comfort or fear keeps getting in the way?

Share it with us. We’d be honored to hear your story.

Praying you find the clarity to recognize your calling and the courage to pursue it.

Your friend,

Brock

P.S. Remember, the sweetest fruit often requires a little stretching! Just be sure you're reaching for God's calling, not simply climbing somebody else's tree. 😊