Are you uncomfortable yet?

Getting Uncomfortable Sometimes Looks Real Akward!

Thanks “Sheep Dog” for trying to help me relax by cracking my back….I think my back is too far gone into stress knots and bindings.

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 in 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 practice gratitude, 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? [Proverbs 16:9 - The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.]

Have I allowed gossip, judgment, or comparison into my life? [Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.]

Did I make any decisions lately without praying about them first and asking for confirmation? [Psalm 25:4 - Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.]

Am I often short tempered or lazy with my time and energy? [Proverbs 14:29 - He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.]

When people ask how I am, am I "fine"? [ Philippians 4:12 - I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.]

Am I sure that those around me know I believe in the forgiveness of sins and the greatness of our Lord? Am I that example or and I just a "good person"? [Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’]

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.