I don’t like feeling in need. I like to have everything together. I like being the strong one. I like having the right word for the right person at the right time. I like giving. I like handling things well. I like knowing what my day holds. I like convenience. I like knowing what is happening.
Knowing things makes me feel good. Having a handle on life makes me feel comfortable.
But, is comfort what Jesus was after?
I bet many of the disciples didn’t feel comfortable when they left their fishing business behind to follow Jesus.
I bet Paul felt anything but comfortable when he fell off that horse and went blind for three days.
I bet Jesus didn’t feel comfortable when He walked down Calvary Road with a cross.
There are times where the Lord permits a shaking up of our proverbial snow globes in life — to loose us from comfort zones. The Lord, in His All-Knowingness, uses discomfort and awkwardness to provoke great need for Him. Here, rather than relying on our way, our sufficiency, our greatness and our known — we run to rely on Him.
These uncomfortable times of awkwardness can be times of great acceleration if received with open hearts and hands. They can walk us into the greatest, most glorious adventures of life, if we take the risk — to go there with God.
But, not all are willing to go the uncomfortable distance. Not all say yes…to the call, to shedding weight for His great…
Jesus answered (the rich man), ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” (Mt. 19:21-22)
The rich man did not follow Jesus because he was comfortable.
What a pity it is to deny Jesus, to keep comfort.
For “…to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21) Dying to ourselves is not always comfortable, but it is always worth it. Jesus, as The Prince of Peace has peace for us, no matter how hard the bridge there looks. And, all His paths lead to life, for Jesus is Life (see Jo. 14:6). No matter how unorthodox it seems, when Jesus is in it we will find both life and peace when we walk through it with Him. He is true to His nature.
With all this, take courage, my friends, as you walk in these hard places. Gain hope! If Christ has overcome the world (Jo. 16:33), surely He can overcome what you face as you go with Him. He is faithful. Truly, I tell you: You “can do all things through Him who gives you strength.” (Phil. 4:13)
Reflect:
What discomfort may God be using to further holiness, endurance or perseverance in your life?
How might the shaking be making you more into the image of Christ?
How might God be calling you out and will you obey?
Prayer:
Father God, great is your faithfulness. You are so trustworthy. You are so good. You are so mighty. I thank You for Your Son, Jesus. He is worthy of all my life, all my devotion and all my obedience. I ask You for all the grace I need to follow Him. Whether it is to step out into a new calling, out of sin, or into a time of growth through circumstances, I ask for Your equipping and empowerment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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