What’s one thing stopping you from moving outside your comfort zone?
For me, it’s the thought of people seeing me differently. In a capacity they haven’t seen me operate in before. What will they think? Will they like it? Will it be awkward? How will I deal with the transition of how they once knew me versus who I’ve become?
I think this essentially comes down to the fear of rejection, which a lot us can relate to. Operating as a different version of yourself runs the risk of rejection as not everyone will embrace, or be compatible with the new you. The truth is, some people get uncomfortable when they see you operating as an elevated version of yourself. But this is something the other party needs to adjust to. This is not for you to stay as the lesser, familiar version of yourself.
As I pondered on this topic, the life of David and Jesus came to mind. They both exemplify what it looks like to step into the more despite opposing voices.
David – shepherd boy to mighty warrior
For David, he transitioned from being a shepherd boy to a famous warrior in Israel. David was sent by his father to drop some lunch for his brothers who were on the front lines against the Philistine giant, Goliath. When David saw how Goliath was mocking and insulting God, he was moved to challenge the giant. David’s questions about the giant alone irritated his brother who didn’t see him as capable of even talking about war-related things.
When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”
1 Samuel 17:28 (NIV)
David’s brother wanted him to stay as he always knew him: the little shepherd boy who brought him lunch. But God was calling David to new heights.
We all know how the story goes. David slaughters Goliath with only a couple of smooth stones and a sling. He becomes one of the fiercest warriors in Israel and goes on to win many battles in name of his God.
So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.
1 Samuel 17:50 (NIV)
Jesus – carpenter’s son to Saviour of the world
Turning now to our perfect example, Jesus. He was rejected in his hometown of Nazareth. I think this was largely because Jesus had grown up just like them (seemingly!) and well, he was ‘just the carpenter’s son’. Jesus appeared too regular to be doing extraordinary things such as healing the sick, teaching with authority and gaining a mass following. They wanted to maintain their small, familiar view of him. But it was time for Jesus to step into more.
Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13:55-58 (NLT)
For both David and Jesus, if they had stayed loyal to how people viewed them, they would not have fulfilled God’s calling on their lives. They would not have impacted the lives they were supposed to. And all for what? Not wanting to make people feel uncomfortable. There are some people who would rather stay in their oppression than accept that you are more than who they thought you were (Matthew 13:58; 1 Samuel 17:28). It is not worth trying to change the minds of people who are like this. It is best to just keep being about your Father’s business (Luke 2:49).
If God approves of you, everything else is just noise
The comfort of people is not at all worth sacrificing the call of God on your life. Besides the Bible tells us that ‘If God is for us who can ever be against us?’ (Romans 8:31). If God approves of you, everything else is just noise.
Get used to stepping on a few toes. Get used to seeing yourself in a new capacity. Get used to operating as an elevated you. You don’t need everyone to like you to be successful. You just need the favour of God and the people who understand the vision.
It may feel awkward at first and it may seem strange to others but keep walking in it. Soon you’ll have to elevate again because you’ve become comfortable in the previous elevation. It’s a continual elevation. David didn’t stop at being a successful warrior. He became the king of Israel. If he stayed loyal to his new reputation as a mighty warrior, he would not have survived the new altitude of kingship. It’s a continual elevation.
What’s one thing you’re going to do to move outside your comfort zone?
I will start sharing my work more boldly in the name of the One who approves of it.
I will __________
Further reading
Redefining Success 
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