Being comfortable is a funny idea. One the one hand, I need some level of comfort for my sanity and for my physical health. On the other hand, once I get comfortable in my career, friendships, or other goals...I tend to swiftly move back into discomfort.
I see my discomfort as the Holy Spirit's push to grow. When I am comfortable I tend to relax too far.
I forget to read my Bible.
I forget to pray for people.
I forget to sit in silence with the Spirit.
I forget to talk about my relationship with God.
I have come to realize, I am more in communion with God when I am uncomfortable. Maybe that is why I am always seeking the next project to work on or the next way to shake up my lived experience.
Finley Peter Dunn once said,
Jesus came to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”
In Luke 5:21 Jesus is in the midst of people who want to be forgiven, healed, and taught by Jesus...but He did something that comforted one, while simultaneously making others uncomfortable. He forgave the paralyzed man of his sins, creating discomfort and outrage in the pharisees. This next part I find hysterical and such a God thing to do:
The pharisees complained that it was not fair, not right. So what does Jesus do?
He doubles down and heals the man not only of his sins, but of his paralyzed body.
It reminds me of when someone does something extravagant just to prove a point.
I can seriously see Jesus in my mind, being like "You don't like that? Then, you're really not going to like this." <pla-dow!> With his disciples in the background like, "Show em' Jesus!"
I'm a tad off track, sorry. But, seriously though.
The Holy Spirit calls us each moment of our lives to be living breathing examples of His love, compassion, and courage. When we are comfortable we can tend to become lazy believers. In my own life, when things are going well, I'm being recognized for my efforts, my kids are good, my husband is everything I need him to be...I can forget to spend time in my Bible and praying.
I can forget everything can be taken away or destroyed in a moment without notice.
Worse yet, I make decisions without the co-signing of the Most High.
Is this where you are? Ask yourself:
Do I need to spend more time in prayer to recognize where I have veered off God's path for me?
Have I allowed gossip, judgment, or comparison into my life?
Did I make any decisions lately without praying about them first and asking for confirmation?
Am I often short tempered or lazy with my time and energy?
When people ask how I am, am I "fine"?
Am I sure that those around me know I believe in the forgiveness of sins and the greatest of our Lord? Am I that example or and I just a "good person"?
Pray about your next step, then wait for the Lord's direction and confirmation. Then, prepare to get uncomfortable and continue to pray for discomfort.
Prepare to watch God move in your life in a way that will bring amazement to you and to those who see you.
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