There's a place where we all go at one time or another. It's a place of familiarity and assurance; a personal place where we feel at home and in control; a space where we appear sure of our beliefs and attitudes. And it's a place where we can get stuck because it feels so good being there.

We call it our comfort zone.

The term comfort zone is usually used to describe a type of mental conditioning resulting in artificially-created boundaries, within which an individual may find a certain sense of security. These comfort zones can manifest themselves in our relationships with others, in our homes and families, and in our workplace. There are also comfort zones where our faith is concerned.

We fail to reach out to others because we're not comfortable talking with people about our faith. We fail to share our testimonies with people because we are not comfortable with getting that personal with others. We fail to take steps of faith because we feel secure in our present situation. We fail to follow God, many times, because where He is leading is nowhere near our comfort zone.

As he and his friends struggled against a storm as they sought to cross the sea late one night, Simon Peter thought he saw a spirit coming toward the boat on the waves. When he looked again, he saw someone he thought was Jesus. When Peter called out -- seeking the identity of the misty form -- the wave walker announced who he was and called for Peter to come to him.

At that very moment, Simon Peter was faced with one tough decision. Step out of the boat -- out of his comfort zone -- and onto the waves, or ignore the command of the Master. Once the decision had been made, the disciple stepped from the vessel and walked toward the Savior. He was getting closer and closer, walking on the waves, until his faith faltered and he began to sink. Luckily, the Master was standing close by and he reached out his hand, caught Peter by the arm, and led him to the safety of the boat.

We all face tough decisions each day. Will we step out of the boat and try the waters? Will we believe the Master and follow after him? Will we stand on our faith or sink in the turmoil of the crashing waves that surround us?

Will we take up residency within our zones of comfort, or will we stretch and learn and grow?

A handwritten note on the inside cover of one of my wife's bibles says "You'll never walk on water if you don't step out of the boat." That is so true.

It's about comfort zones. It's about faith. It's about making the choice to walk on water, no matter how strong the storm.

It's about looking outside ourselves and seeing a world that needs hope.

It's about choosing to serve the Master.

The Shepherd's Heart appears Thursday.