Called to Uncomfortable Places
Why is it that we as Americans, as humans, feel the need to live life comfortably? To find our place in society and live in such a way to avoid doing anything that brings discomfort or a sense of not belonging. Because humans inherently long to understand people and to be understood, we categorize people with labels like "introvert","leader", "people person", or "shy" inadvertently, creating "comfort zones" and organizing people by personality type, strengths, weaknesses, talents, appearance, status, or possessions. This is the foundation for our identity.We grow up believing certain things to be true about who we are, but never really test the waters to see what we might become.
This is not to say I don't believe God created each individual with unique talents, abilities, and personalities but is it our place to fully understand what those are? Or to limit ourselves to the worlds interpretation of people? On life's journey to finding self, we continually strive for better understanding, but simultaneously stunt growth, making excuses for why we are the way we are and not allowing God to use us fully for His glory. A biblical example of this is Moses in Exodus 4: 10-13. "Moses said to the Lord, "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight of makes them blind.? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." But Moses said, "Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else." Apparently public speaking was not a comfortable skill for Moses, yet God called him to leadership and prepared him for the task at hand.
I believe that God calls all of us to uncomfortable places on a daily basis. Luke 9:23 says " Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." For many people, myself included, the biggest obstacle in being an all-in disciple of Christ is self. To deny self means to pick up the cross of fear and insecurity, step out of the comfort zone, and follow Christ wholeheartedly letting him control the direction of the path. Romans 12:2 says " Do not conform the the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will." It's a very uncomfortable situation to be a "non-conformist" in today's world, but as Christians we must realize that faith is more important than comfort.
As I embark on the journey of preparing for my mission to Ukraine this summer I am realizing how many uncomfortable things will have to take place. First, I am really uncomfortable with asking people for money, even though I know it is for a much higher purpose than myself. Second, it is always uncomfortable traveling to a new place and not understanding the language or culture and not having access to many modern technologies for assistance. Third, the nature of this specific mission highly relies on leadership and clear communication, two skills which are not my strong suit. As Satan keeps feeding me excuses about my lack of comfort through this process, I am earnestly praying that God will use me in these uncomfortable situations for his good and will give me the faith to understand that through my discomfort, He is always in control. "Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Rom. 8:26-28
May God be Glorified,
K.L.E
Donate to the cause: https://give.idonate.com/lets-start-talking-katy-edwards/support
This is not to say I don't believe God created each individual with unique talents, abilities, and personalities but is it our place to fully understand what those are? Or to limit ourselves to the worlds interpretation of people? On life's journey to finding self, we continually strive for better understanding, but simultaneously stunt growth, making excuses for why we are the way we are and not allowing God to use us fully for His glory. A biblical example of this is Moses in Exodus 4: 10-13. "Moses said to the Lord, "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight of makes them blind.? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." But Moses said, "Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else." Apparently public speaking was not a comfortable skill for Moses, yet God called him to leadership and prepared him for the task at hand.
I believe that God calls all of us to uncomfortable places on a daily basis. Luke 9:23 says " Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." For many people, myself included, the biggest obstacle in being an all-in disciple of Christ is self. To deny self means to pick up the cross of fear and insecurity, step out of the comfort zone, and follow Christ wholeheartedly letting him control the direction of the path. Romans 12:2 says " Do not conform the the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will." It's a very uncomfortable situation to be a "non-conformist" in today's world, but as Christians we must realize that faith is more important than comfort.
As I embark on the journey of preparing for my mission to Ukraine this summer I am realizing how many uncomfortable things will have to take place. First, I am really uncomfortable with asking people for money, even though I know it is for a much higher purpose than myself. Second, it is always uncomfortable traveling to a new place and not understanding the language or culture and not having access to many modern technologies for assistance. Third, the nature of this specific mission highly relies on leadership and clear communication, two skills which are not my strong suit. As Satan keeps feeding me excuses about my lack of comfort through this process, I am earnestly praying that God will use me in these uncomfortable situations for his good and will give me the faith to understand that through my discomfort, He is always in control. "Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Rom. 8:26-28
May God be Glorified,
K.L.E
Donate to the cause: https://give.idonate.com/lets-start-talking-katy-edwards/support
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