Comfort Zone

1 Corinthians 2:1-5  "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."


It is so encouraging to know that even Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, the writer of the majority of the New Testament, did not always feel confident -- in fact, he felt weakness, fear and trembling. Paul was out of his "comfort zone." Yet God mightily spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through Paul. The Holy Spirit's power was demonstrated in Paul's weakness.  


I have to admit, I really like my comfort zone. When I am in my zone, I feel accomplished, safe, equipped, and confident in my abilities. But when we follow God, He takes us out of our comfort zone. And when He takes us out of our comfort zone, God most definitely equips us for all the good works He wants us to do in His name. We have to rely on His abilites, which are infinite. Through those situations where we must rely on His strength, counsel and provision, He will stretch us, teach us, and draw us closer to Him.  


Dear Heavenly Father, help me to step out of my cozy comfort zone. I pray that when I am in those places that stretch me, that You teach me to rely on You and trust in Your power completely.  Amen.