Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. Genesis 12:1, NKJV

As teachers, we’re very familiar with the term “comfort zone.” We often motivate our students to get out of their comfort zones and try something new to help them grow academically and socially. But what about us? Are we willing to get out of our comfort zones as well?

I know I’m guilty of becoming complacent at times. But the truth is, we can’t grow and excel when we’re complacent.

I completed my student-teaching in a first-grade classroom and then taught first grade for nine years. Then one day, the principal told me I was moving to fifth grade. I was instantly nervous and anxious. My faith went out the window. I thought first grade is all I know. Fifth graders are older and mean. Why me? Oh my, I have to learn all that new material!

Little did I know, God was stretching and preparing me for something greater. I absolutely loved teaching fifth grade! I cried like a baby when I had to leave my fifth graders (who weren’t mean, as I originally thought) to go teach fourth grade. I fell in love with teaching fourth grade as well. Then, I really stepped out of my comfort zone when I taught sixth-grade summer school. But I enjoyed every minute of it!

God pulls us out of our comfort zones to see if we really trust Him. He wants us to grow and have a deeper relationship with Him. But, don’t worry. If God directs you out of your comfort zone, He won’t leave you.

Do you trust God?

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that You know what’s best for me. Thank you for stretching, molding, and purging me. You are in charge of my life. I will let You lead. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Copyright Niccori Thomas-Brown.

If you’ve enjoyed this devotion, Niccori shares more in her book, Doing All God Has Called You To Do: A Devotion For Novice Teachers.