Out of the Comfort Zone
Sometimes when we are the least comfortable, we also are the most productive for God.
Many people hold the mistaken belief that once they become a follower of Christ, then life becomes as soft and cushy as a La-Z-Boy recliner.
But it ain't so.
The Apostle Paul is Exhibit A here. Just read his words in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, when he says, "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked."
Paul faced a post-conversion life full of prison, floggings, lashes, shipwrecks, bandits, sleep deprivation, hunger, thirst, cold, and nakedness. His post-conversion life was not one full of prosperity. Paul wasn't living the high life.
But it jives with what Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:12-13, when he says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
And it follows what Jesus said in Luke 6:24: "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."
Jesus wants you to get out of your comfort zone.
Are you following Christ, loving others, serving others, and still finding your life to be painfully uncomfortable? Don't get down. God is watching you. He sees what you are doing. He knows how tough it is for you. And He will bless you for it - if not here on earth, then in heaven. And we know that He's promised never to leave you or forsake you.
Some of the most fruitful things we will ever do in service to the Lord may come in some of the most uncomfortable moments of our lives here on earth - in the times when we have left our comfort zone, and when we are relying on God, and God alone.
Many people hold the mistaken belief that once they become a follower of Christ, then life becomes as soft and cushy as a La-Z-Boy recliner.
But it ain't so.
The Apostle Paul is Exhibit A here. Just read his words in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, when he says, "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked."
Paul faced a post-conversion life full of prison, floggings, lashes, shipwrecks, bandits, sleep deprivation, hunger, thirst, cold, and nakedness. His post-conversion life was not one full of prosperity. Paul wasn't living the high life.
But it jives with what Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:12-13, when he says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
And it follows what Jesus said in Luke 6:24: "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."
Jesus wants you to get out of your comfort zone.
Are you following Christ, loving others, serving others, and still finding your life to be painfully uncomfortable? Don't get down. God is watching you. He sees what you are doing. He knows how tough it is for you. And He will bless you for it - if not here on earth, then in heaven. And we know that He's promised never to leave you or forsake you.
Some of the most fruitful things we will ever do in service to the Lord may come in some of the most uncomfortable moments of our lives here on earth - in the times when we have left our comfort zone, and when we are relying on God, and God alone.
posted by Stephen Guschov at 5:57 PM
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