Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zones - Encouragement for Today - June 25, 2026

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June 25, 2026

Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zones
LYSA TERKEURST

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“ … Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’” John 21:15a (NIV)

Have you ever felt God stirring you to do something that’s terrifyingly outside of your comfort zone?

I confess that, left to my own choosing, I want to take the safe and comfortable route. And then a Bible verse like our key verse today marches up to my limited perspective and challenges me. A question forms in my heart, forcing me to stop and reconsider the path that terrifies me … Do I love Jesus and want Him more than anything else?

This is the question Jesus asked one of His disciples, Peter, at a crucial crossroads in Peter’s life:

“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15a).

Peter had followed Jesus for years, but it wasn’t easy. Then Jesus was crucified, and Peter took his eyes off the path of ministry he’d been called to. In John 21:2-3, Peter went back to what felt safe and comfortable: his original occupation of fishing.

When the resurrected Jesus appeared in the flesh, He ruined Peter’s justifications for playing it safe. Peter’s destiny wasn’t to be a fisherman for the rest of his life. He was to be a shepherd of God’s people.

For Peter, loving Jesus “more than these” might have meant prioritizing ministry over the large number of fish he’d just caught (John 21:15). Or “these” could have included anything else pulling Peter away from his calling. We all have our own distractions and concerns in life — things we sometimes choose over Jesus.

I believe Jesus saw Peter’s potential and wanted to turn Peter from a critical fisherman into a caring shepherd. Fishermen counted and quickly judged the fish they caught. They threw out the small fish because to sell those, they’d have to pay more in taxes than the fish were worth. They would look at the fish and say, “This one’s in. This one’s out.”

But Jesus was calling Peter to finish his season of being a fisherman of fish and start being a shepherd of people.

In the same way, Jesus is asking us to love Him more than the lives we’ve known. And just like Jesus equipped Peter by sending His Holy Spirit to fill and empower Peter for his calling (Acts 2), Jesus equips us. We have the gift of the same Holy Spirit inside us and His written Word to guide us.

Friend, let’s not rush past how amazing it is that the Lord wants to work through us — despite our fears and failings. Let’s not allow love of comfort to convince us to stay stuck in our same old ways. Let’s simply say to Jesus, Yes, Lord, I love You more than these, and follow where He leads us.

Lord, my soul declares “yes” to You right now. Even if my hands are trembling and my feet feel shaky on this new path … I say “yes” today. I love You, and I will live for You. Change me. Lead me. I’m Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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ENGAGE

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (NIV).

What does life “to the full” mean to you? What next step is God inviting you to take as you walk in the abundant life He has for you? Join the conversation today in the comments.

© 2026 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org