Leave your Comfort Zone Behind

   Life begins at the end of you comfort zone.  We are our own worst enemy and fear is our sidekick.  We have developed this idea where we can only be comfortable in certain areas.  This idea keeps us locked in a box called our comfort zone.  Over the past years my comfort zone has grown to a whole new level.  It is the hardest thing to do but it is well worth it. 
    Four years ago, my family moved.  I became a very shy person afraid to talk to anyone.  I would cling to my mother’s side everywhere we went.  That is where I was comfortable.  Being the wonderful mom my mother is she signed me up for a speech club with 4-H.  I wanted to die; the very first meeting they called me up to give a limited prep speech.  I read my topic and froze two minutes later I heard a voice say "times up".  I stood there shacking and shuddering; I couldn't even tell you what I said in those 32 seconds that I talked.  All I know is it felt like I was up there for hours rambling as I fell of the side of a cliff to my death.  Uncomfortable situations like this are things I face almost every day, but after a while what is uncomfortable becomes comfortable. 

   In Samuel 1 is the story of Hannah.  Hannah was not able to have children.  So she went to the temple and made a vow to the Lord asking for a child and vowing that if God gave her a child she would raise him and then give him back to God.  Hannah continues to turn to God whenever she is scared or simply just doesn't understand.  She left her comfort zone behind and turned to God.  
  As you are challenging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone, remember that you aren't alone.  God brought you to it and He will bring you through it.  People are desperate, and people are waiting.  Let's go fulfill our mission.

~ Lizzy