Face the Uncomfortable
Growth is a part of life. When we’re young, we can’t wait to get taller. When we’re children, we can’t wait to become grown. (However, if there are any young people reading this, PUH-LEASE enjoy being a child while you can.) When we’re in school, we can’t wait to graduate. When we graduate, we can’t wait to start our careers. Most of the time, we’re excited for the growth, but we neglect the change that will affect us when the growth happens. We optimistically, or maybe absentmindedly, think all change is pleasant, but what I’m learning is change can be real uncomfortable.
A little over a year ago, after finally submitting to God’s timing, God seemingly out of nowhere told me it was time to move from my parents’ house. Not only did He tell me it was time to move out of my parents’ house, but to move 2.5 hours away – for a church. Now, relaying that message to Christians who have faith was easy! But, relaying that message to people I was unsure of if they had a relationship with God or people whose faith lacked, it was super uncomfortable. Not to mention, the reason I hadn’t moved was because financially, I didn’t feel I was able to. God called me to move without a receiving a raise. I could afford the move, but money being tight doesn’t quite give the experience justice. However, knowing I heard God and observing how the hand of God was on the moving process, I faced the uncomfortable and told family and friends I’m moving, not for a job, not for a relationship, but because God called me to a church in Lower Alabama (Restoration Church in Bay Minette, AL actually. Come see us!) I faced the uncomfortable and had faith that God would be with me in the move. I prayed multiple times, saying, “God, now, I told people I’m moving for you so this can’t fail for your name’s sake.” Sure enough, God showed up and showed out. I’ve grown spiritually, mentally and emotionally since the move. I’ve been promoted since the move. I received the kind of growth I prayed for, but it didn’t happen until I faced the uncomfortable.
If you are in or approaching a season of discomfort, you are not alone. There are several characters in the Bible that had to endure seasons of discomfort before reaching their growth seasons. Abraham was instructed to leave his family and his land to venture into a new land. Joseph was sold into slavery and went to jail before being the adviser to Pharaoh. David was persecuted by the king whom he served before becoming king. Paul was blinded before becoming the Apostle we all know.
We often pray for the end results, but we hardly ever think about the in-between. As you face this new season of discomfort, here are some scriptures to help comfort you:
· Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
· Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
· Matthew 6:33 (NLT): “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
· Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
· Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT): “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
