Leaving Comfort to Follow God

There are times in every believer’s life when God begins to lead them forward into something new. Often, the greatest obstacle is not opposition, fear, or lack of ability — it is comfort. What is familiar can feel safe, predictable, and secure, but sometimes the very thing that feels comfortable is the thing preventing growth.

Following God has always required movement. When Jesus called His disciples, they had to leave their nets, their routines, and the life they knew in order to walk with Him. When God spoke to Abraham, he was told to leave his country and go to a place God would show him. Each step forward required a willingness to release what was familiar in order to embrace what God had prepared.

True abandonment is not reckless, emotional, or irresponsible. It is not about discarding people or running from responsibilities. It is about obedience. It is about being willing to release whatever the Spirit of God reveals is holding you back — even when it feels uncomfortable.

Sometimes we must abandon old thinking. The mindset that once shaped our decisions may not be able to carry us into the next level of growth. Scripture reminds us that transformation begins with the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). Growth often begins when we allow God to reshape how we see ourselves, our situation, and our future.

Sometimes we must abandon old habits. Patterns that once seemed harmless can quietly keep us from moving forward. God calls us higher, and progress often requires leaving behind behaviors that no longer align with who we are becoming.

At times, we must also abandon environments or influences that pull us backward instead of pushing us forward. The call of God always leads toward growth, clarity, and purpose — never stagnation.

Even Jesus demonstrated this principle. He temporarily left the glory of heaven to fulfill the will of God on earth. Abraham left familiarity. The disciples left security. Paul left his former life. Each step of obedience required letting go, but each step also led to greater purpose.

The rich young ruler, however, could not do it. When Jesus told him to release what he trusted in and follow Him, he walked away sorrowful because he was unwilling to abandon his comfort. His story reminds us that holding on too tightly to what is familiar can prevent us from stepping into what God has prepared.

Growth does not mean dissatisfaction with where we are. Scripture teaches us to be content, but it also shows that we are called to move from faith to faith and from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). We thank God for how far He has brought us, but we remain willing to keep growing.

When God calls you forward, it may feel unfamiliar. It may stretch you. It may require faith. But what God has ahead is always greater than what you must leave behind.

Be willing to release the old so you can walk into the new.