Uncomfortably Called

Scripture to Ponder:

2 Thessalonians 2:16

Luke 9:23-26

Matthew 26-28

After a long hiatus of being indoors and daily wearing the most comfortable articles of clothing I own, it was time to be an adult and put on my big girl clothes. ughhhhhh. That first time shimmying into a pair of jeans after slumming it in sweats for days is depressing (and a wake up call that I ate one too many Reese’s Chocolate Eggs). I was extremely uncomfortable and desperately wanted to abandon the upcoming outing, ditch responsibilities, and slide into clothes that stretched to embrace every new pound that had yet to be introduced to denim. In my defense, they should be introduced slowly in order to reduce the shock of how restrictive denimwear can be. But no, I had to suck it up and suck it in and keep moving forward.

This uncomfortable moment was like one of those “Aha moments” where gamma waves burst through the right hemisphere's temporal lobe of your brain!!! This moment I was getting dressed for was uncomfortable. In more ways than just my pants predicament. This outing was a calling from the Lord. He was asking me to step out of my comfort zone and walk in obedience. How can we truly follow Christ if we are not willing to walking in obedience? Even when it gets uncomfortable. In our human nature we embrace comfort. Honestly, I think we become dependent on it. We strive for it in so many ways. From small things such as clothing to deeper things such as control. When we're in control, there is a sense of comfort because we can plan and know the outcome, but there's more here that he is wanting me to listen to and learn. Where does my comfort come from?

I had to ask him to search my heart on this one. I want to say my comfort comes from Christ alone. In truth, there is times when my heart needs reminded of this. He is where I should find my comfort, but how often am I disobedient because it’s uncomfortable. Let's get real here for a minute, Sis, following Christ is uncomfortable. If I said otherwise, I wouldn't be being honest with you. It's fighting against the current of self to walk in our new self through Christ (Ephesians 4:24). When we are following fully in obedience (even when it’s uncomfortable) there is ultimate comfort on the other side of our obedience - it's peace!

That moment when God speaks to your heart to share him with that stranger next to you. That moment when he asks you to give in faith beyond your means. That moment when he asks you to serve but you feel inadequate. That moment when he asks you to step out in blind faith trusting he knows what's ahead of you. When you are obedient, he is faithful to give peace beyond what we can understand. His ways are so much greater and his peace is the ultimate comfort.

I can think of so many things in life that bring pain or make us uncomfortable, but so many of those things can bring forth growth if Christ is at the center. Childbirth being one of the most beautiful examples that I can fathom. Through the discomfort and pain comes new life! Much the same in our spiritual lives; when we walk in obedience following Christ, he continues to transform us into his image and allows us to become partakers in his divine nature! What a God!!!

As Resurrection Sunday approaches, I can't help but ponder on all Christ went through during his earthly life. His walk towards the cross heavily weighs on my thoughts today. He knew what was ahead. He knew. He knew and chose obedience to the Father! May we keep a heavenly perspective on our walk of following Christ. May we choose obedience even when it's uncomfortable or even painful. Ultimate comfort- his peace is just ahead. Keep being faithful, Sis! Keep walking in obedience! He is our comforter- our sustainer!

Questions to Consider:

1) Where is my comfort found?

2) Am I willing to truly walk in obedience, even when it is uncomfortable or painful?

3)Are there times I am disobedient because I want to stay comfortable?