Get Uncomfortable!
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow….” (James 1:1-4a NLT)
Humans tend to be creatures of habit and comfort. Whether it is a simple or complex situation, we do not like our plan or program to be upset. In our minds, comfort is copacetic and the familiar is just fine. And it is. Except when it isn’t. Here’s the thing: Growth very rarely takes place in comfort. In fact, in our natural, and especially our spiritual lives, comfort tends to have the opposite effect upon us. Instead of growth, when we get too comfortable, stagnation and slow death occur.
Our goal in life should be to grow and mature, not to be comfortable. Now certainly, we all need seasons of rest and contentment is a spiritual virtue. Nevertheless, we should find ourselves growing, maturing and becoming more like Christ all along life’s journey. Most people do not mind growth, in fact, we relish it. The trouble is that often we do not like the growth stimulants that God uses in our lives. When it is time for our faith to be stretched and strengthened, we will likely find ourselves having to face pain, hardship, disappointment and difficulty. In other words, when it is time to go to the next level, get uncomfortable.
The faith, strength and wisdom that has served you well on your current level will be insufficient for where you are going. You will need more and yet the way to get it is by utilizing what you already have. Faith begets faith. As you exercise and expand your faith, it will be multiplied. As you stretch to trust, follow and obey God by faith in your right now, God will meet you and pull you forward into your destiny. The process may hurt temporarily, but just remember, growth is good for you. Moreover, spiritual growth produces holistic betterment. You know, there is only one real alternative to growth – death. Faced with those options, seriously consider taking heed to these words: Get uncomfortable!
So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. (2 Peter 1:5-8 The Message)
Speaking directly to me.
Great! Thanks so much for reading!
This hits me right between the eyes…Thank you for the encouraging reminder.
Amen! I understand. Thanks for reading. Glad it was helpful!
I appreciate this reminder. It is timely as I have been feeling a little uncomfortable and uneasy lately. Thank you!
You’re welcome! As always, thanks for reading. I totally understand about feeling stretched. Greater is coming!
This is a good. It hits me hard because it is contrary to what I most often think that I want. I hate to be uncomfortable! I hate being pushed! Yet, as you say, we do not grow much on easy street. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for reading, Paul! I know exactly how you feel! I’m glad that you were helped by the post.