Stepping Out in Faith: How to Break Free From Spiritual Comfort Zones
How many times have you caught yourself doing the church thing, saying the right words, but feeling stuck in the same place spiritually? Maybe you’ve been wanting more but you don’t know where to start. Here’s the thing, friend - stepping out in faith means more than just believing. It takes moving past what feels easy and comfortable. It means letting God lead you even if you have no idea what’s next.
In our recent podcast episode, I shared a little about my own story. I remember being at a point where I thought I was doing it all right. Church every week, small groups, serving where I could. But in my heart? I felt empty. Safe, but stuck. Comfortable, but not growing. If you’ve ever been in that spot, you’re not alone. We all hit moments in our walk with God where we want to grow, but comfort keeps us still. The good news is, that’s not where we have to stay.
What Are Spiritual Comfort Zones and Why Do We Stay There?
Let’s be honest. We all have things we do on autopilot. Maybe it’s showing up for church because that’s what we’re "supposed" to do. Maybe it’s keeping our prayers surface-level so we don’t get too real. Our routines feel safe. But God calls us to more than routine - He calls us to relationship. Stepping out in faith means moving beyond habits and into heart change.
Recognizing Signs You Are Spiritually Comfortable
- You don’t feel challenged by your faith anymore
- You’re checking boxes, not connecting with God personally
- Church becomes a duty, not a delight
- Your prayers feel repetitive or rushed
- You’re rarely uncomfortable about your spiritual choices
If you see yourself in any of those (I did too), it’s a sign. Our comfort zones feel safe, but they quietly keep us from stepping out in faith and experiencing God more deeply.
How Stepping Out in Faith Changes Everything
I want to assure you, stepping out in faith doesn’t always mean big, flashy moves. Sometimes, it starts with a simple, honest prayer. That’s what happened to me. I remember sitting in my car, asking God what He really wanted from me. It wasn’t about more work. He wanted my heart. He wanted me to go deeper, not just wider.
You see, when you start asking, “Lord, where have I gotten comfortable? Where do you want me to grow?” He always answers. The answer is different for all of us. For me, it was opening my Bible each morning even when I was tired, or reaching out to a friend when I wanted to keep to myself. For you, it might look like joining a Bible study, praying out loud for the first time, or sharing your story with someone who needs hope.
Biblical Truth About Spiritual Growth
The Bible doesn’t promise following Jesus will always be comfortable. In fact, First Corinthians 16:13 (CSB) says, "Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong." That’s a call to action. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing. Every time you choose stepping out in faith over staying comfortable, God meets you there.
What Keeps Us From Stepping Out in Faith?
Let me tell you, there are lots of reasons we get stuck. Fear of what others will think. Not wanting to fail. Waiting for the "right time." Sometimes, we’re just tired and want the path of least resistance. That was true for me. I’d convince myself tomorrow would be better, or once the kids were older, or work got easier. But the perfect time never came. It wasn’t until I decided to say yes to God - right where I was - that things changed.
Common Myths About Faith and Comfort
- If faith feels hard, you’re doing it wrong (reality: faith stretches us in good ways)
- You have to have it all together before you can serve (truth: God uses willing hearts, not perfect people)
- Comfort means peace with God (actually, sometimes comfort just means you’ve stopped growing)
Let’s clear up those misconceptions. Stepping out in faith isn’t about chaos or anxiety. It’s about trust. Sometimes God invites us to step into the unknown because He loves us too much to leave us where we are.
Simple Ways to Step Out in Faith Today
If you’re ready to move, but don’t know where to start, let’s get practical. Stepping out in faith doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s often about one small, obedient step.
Action Steps You Can Take Right Now
- Ask God, “What do you want from me in this season?” Then listen.
- Pick up your Bible and read a chapter, like James, and make a note of anything that stands out.
- Find one area where you’ve felt spiritually passive. What would standing firm there look like?
- Share one thing God is teaching you with a friend or in your small group.
- Pray about the relationships in your life. Are they drawing you closer to God or keeping you comfortable?
You’re not alone in this. I asked God those same questions, and it shifted everything. When I started stepping out in faith, even in small ways, I saw God show up in my marriage, my family, and with my friends. Sometimes, it meant letting go of things or people that were holding me back. Other times, it meant inviting someone new into my circle. But every time, I found Him faithful.
How to Stay Out of Spiritual Comfort Zones in Everyday Life
Let’s be real - it’s easy to slip back into our old patterns. I still catch myself sometimes. The difference now is, I don’t let myself stay there. I recognize the signs (like feeling disconnected from God or coasting through quiet time), and I do something about it. That’s what I want for you too.
Building New Habits of Faith
- Make quiet time a daily non-negotiable (even five minutes counts)
- Pray throughout the day, not just in scheduled blocks
- Stay connected to people who challenge and encourage you to grow
- Say yes to God’s promptings, even when you don’t know every detail
- Spend some time reflecting regularly on where you’re growing or getting stuck
Every step matters, no matter how small. Growth is slow and steady, not always dramatic or immediate. As you keep stepping out in faith, God does the real work in your heart.
Why Stepping Out in Faith Is Worth It
Can I tell you something? Every bit of discomfort you feel now has purpose. God doesn’t waste anything. When you surrender comfort, He fills those spaces with peace, joy, and courage. Sometimes it means leaving behind habits or friendships that once felt good but aren’t helping you walk in your purpose anymore. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.
I’ve seen my own life and the lives of so many women in our community change when we didn’t settle for "good enough." We became women who stand firm - not just sit - in our faith. And that inspires others. Stepping out in faith isn’t just for us, it’s for those watching us live it out.
Remember what Scripture says. Be alert. Stand firm. Be courageous and strong. God honors your yes, no matter how small it seems. He never expects perfection. Just willingness.
If you want to hear more about breaking free from comfort and choosing bold faith, listen to the full podcast episode. There’s more encouragement there for you if you need it. Keep leaning in and keep saying yes - today and every day.
If this helped you, share it with a friend or invite someone to read it with you. Let’s keep stepping out in faith together.
