December 15

We have a God of comfort right? That means that God comforts us right? How did that get translated into God wants us comfortable – all the time? Aren’t there a few scriptures about suffering and enduring?

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV84) — 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

Does that sound comfortable to anyone? If we are honest, nearly everything we have changed or God has changed in our lives has been, ahh… “uncomfortable”. So where do we get the idea that church should be comfortable? I mean I am all into nice comfy chairs, but as far as our practice, sometimes it is going to get uncomfortable. God is going to ask you for commitment beyond your comfort or He is going to tell you to minister to someone beyond your comfort, or worship wildly beyond your comfort or…, you get the point.

I ran across an uncomfortable verse:

Hebrews 5:7 (NIV84) — 7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Praying with loud cries and tears huh, well that’s uncomfortable! Imagine getting that emotional and noisy – some are glad Jesus doesn’t go to their church. My theory is this, either you will intercede as the Spirit flows through you, which at times (many) will be loud and passionate, or you will have to be brought to the place where it is unavoidable – where you must cry out loud for help! Choose option #1

As far as comfort goes, we are people of God who are willing to be uncomfortable for the Kingdom. Whether it is ministering to somebody, taking on responsibility, being like David (I will be more undignified than this – talking about his worship of God), in worship or anything else, we are conquerors and will do what it takes to live in that victory.