Trusting God Beyond Our Comfort Zones

Life rarely unfolds according to our plans, and often, our expectations are upended in ways both disappointing and surprisingly wonderful. These moments reveal much about where we place our trust and what we hold onto for security. The story of the rich young man in Matthew 19 illustrates this tension. Outwardly, he had everything—wealth, status, and a seemingly perfect life. Yet, he came to Jesus with a deep longing, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus’ response challenged not just his actions, but the very foundation of his security and identity. He invited the young man to let go of his wealth—not as a punishment, but as an invitation to trust God more deeply, to step out of his comfort zone and into a life of wholehearted faith.

This invitation is not just for the rich young man, but for each of us. We all have areas in our lives where we feel safe, secure, and in control—places we would rather not surrender. Jesus gently presses on these areas, not to deprive us, but to invite us into something better. True faith is not transactional; it’s not about checking boxes or earning God’s favor. Instead, it’s about trusting God with our whole heart, even when it means letting go of what we think we need for security.

Salvation is not achieved by our efforts, but received as a gift through Christ’s finished work on the cross. Even when God’s answers to our prayers are “no,” “not yet,” or “not this way,” He is never absent. The cross stands as the ultimate reminder that God’s love and presence are constant, even in our moments of disappointment or confusion. Our faith is not built on getting what we want, but on knowing who God is—His goodness, His faithfulness, and His desire for our hearts.

When Jesus calls us out of our comfort zones, it’s not to take away what is good, but to lead us into something better—a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him. The choice before us is whether we will cling to our own sense of security, or step forward in faith, trusting that God’s way, though sometimes harder, is always better. As we take these steps, we are not alone; God promises to go with us, giving us His Spirit, peace, and strength for the journey.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God often invites us to trust Him in the very areas where we feel most secure and in control. These comfort zones can become barriers to deeper faith, and Jesus lovingly calls us to surrender them, not to deprive us, but to lead us into a richer relationship with Him. True growth happens when we step out in faith, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable. [04:54]
• 2. Faith is not a transaction where we do good things to earn God’s favor or blessings. The world teaches us to expect certain outcomes for our efforts, but God’s kingdom operates on grace, not merit. Salvation is a gift, not a reward, and God desires our trust more than our performance. [06:20]
• 3. When God’s answers don’t match our expectations—when prayers seem unanswered or life takes an unexpected turn—it’s not a sign of His absence. The cross reminds us that God is most present and loving even in our moments of pain and confusion. Our faith is anchored not in outcomes, but in the unchanging character of God. [09:51]
• 4. Jesus doesn’t want a portion of our hearts or a checklist of our good deeds; He wants our whole selves. The call to “sell all and follow” is ultimately about wholehearted devotion, trusting God with everything we value and depend on. This surrender leads to a life that is more abundant and purpose-filled than anything we could construct on our own. [08:14]
• 5. Stepping out of our comfort zones is not about loss, but about invitation—God is always calling us into something better, even if it’s harder. As we trust Him with our fears and uncertainties, He promises to be with us, providing His Spirit, peace, and strength. The journey of faith is not walked alone, and God’s presence transforms every step into an opportunity for deeper joy and fulfillment. [13:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:25] - When Plans Don’t Go as Expected
• [01:15] - The Rich Young Man’s Question
• [03:02] - Jesus’ Surprising Answer
• [04:54] - Comfort Zones and Security
• [06:20] - The Transactional Mindset in Faith
• [08:14] - Wholehearted Devotion, Not Checklists
• [09:51] - God’s Presence in Disappointment
• [11:53] - Trusting God When He Says “No”
• [13:58] - Stepping Out in Faith at Mount Olive
• [15:10] - God’s Invitation to Something Better
• [16:23] - Blessing and Closing

Bible Reading

Matthew 19:16-22 (ESV) — > And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) — > For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) — > Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Observation Questions

1. What question does the rich young man ask Jesus, and how does Jesus respond? (Matthew 19:16-22)
2. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, how is salvation received? Is it something we earn or something we are given?
3. In Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we told to do with our hearts and understanding?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of things people use for security or comfort? [04:54]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus asked the rich young man to give up his wealth, rather than just telling him to keep following the commandments? [03:02]
2. The sermon talks about a “transactional mindset” in faith. What does this mean, and how does it show up in the way people approach God? [06:20]
3. How does the story of the rich young man challenge the idea that outward success or “having it all together” means someone is close to God? [01:15]
4. The pastor said that God’s “no,” “not yet,” or “not this way” is not a sign of His absence. How does the cross show us God’s presence even in disappointment? [09:51]

Application Questions

1. The sermon mentioned that we all have “comfort zones” or things we rely on for security. What is one area in your life where you feel most secure or in control? How might God be inviting you to trust Him more in that area? [04:54]
2. When have you experienced a time when God didn’t answer your prayers the way you expected? How did that affect your trust in Him? [09:51]
3. The rich young man walked away sad because he couldn’t let go of his possessions. Is there something in your life that would be hard to surrender if Jesus asked you to? What would it look like to take a small step of trust in that area? [03:02]
4. The sermon said faith is not about “checking boxes” or earning God’s favor. Are there ways you find yourself trying to earn God’s love or approval? How can you remind yourself that salvation is a gift? [06:20]
5. The pastor shared that stepping out of our comfort zones is not about loss, but about God’s invitation to something better. What is one “next step” you sense God might be inviting you to take, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable? [13:58]
6. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust God with all your heart. What would it look like for you to trust God more fully this week, especially in an area where you usually rely on your own understanding?
7. The sermon ended by saying God promises to go with us and give us His Spirit, peace, and strength. How can you remind yourself of God’s presence as you face challenges or step into something new? [13:58]