One way that God has stretched and blessed me is by allowing me to be uncomfortable. We live in a world that sends us the message of comfort and convenience, but that is not God’s way. God is always after our growth. He sees our heart and is extremely concerned with our character and our conformity to Christ. In order for this to occur, we often need discomfort. The blessing of discomfort is that it motivates us.
What motivates you?
Seriously, think about it. Ponder it. Write it down. Consider your past achievements and accomplishments. What pushed you to get it done? For me, I am motivated by better.
I want better for myself, my family, for others. I want to do better for the Lord.
Now, we must be careful here. We must ensure that our motivations are not fueled by fear, insecurity, envy, or inferiority. [If you struggle with those heart issues, check out BREAK FREE & LIVE!] It’s all about the heart and we cannot run from the issues of our heart. Our hearts will always expose us. God already knows, but if we do not tend to the issues of our heart, those issues will be made manifest for all to see.
The issues of our heart must be prioritized above any materialistic goal.
Though it’s easy for us to overly focus on the materialistic aspect of things, we must get deeper than that. Surely, being in uncomfortable financial situations can motivate one to earn more money; however, money must be kept in its proper place. Though money is an important aspect of our living here on earth, money is not everything.
So often the lack of it makes one place more emphasis on it than necessary, only to find out after gaining it, that it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be.
Do you know that you can experience fullness of peace and joy while experiencing financial difficulty?
This is the truth. In John 14:27, Jesus tells us:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
The world has a version of peace that it offers as a counterfeit to the true peace of Jesus. The peace of Jesus is unshaken by the uncertainties that we will inevitably face in this world. This is why pursuing Jesus must be our #1 priority, especially in seasons of discomfort, as only Jesus can provide a complete security from the inside out.
The security that Jesus provides is not dependent on circumstances, but on His never-changing, ever-abiding Word.
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
Isaiah 40:8
Often times, our discomfort is merely presenting an opportunity for growth. The blessing of discomfort is that it should motivate us to depend on God and His Word in deeper ways. In our uncomfortable seasons, we often look to Him in ways that comfort would never allow. When we are comfortable, we are not hungry, we are not desperate, we are not humble.
It is when God allows circumstances of life to humble us that we seek Him as the God who rules over all. It is when we are low that we recognize His highness, His power, His glory, His provision. May God open our eyes to the blessing of discomfort, and may we never forget His deliverance and empowering ability when He allows us to overcome.
With love,
