Why Can’t I Just Be Comfortable?
Do you know one of the problems with growing up? We know what to expect.
For example, I am writing this blog on a Sunday. Many of you will head to church in the morning, go out for Sunday dinner (or enjoy a big meal at home), take a nap (slackers ;-)), the men will possibly watch a game and then you’ll either go to Sunday night church, classes, or chill out with a movie. On Monday you will get up, some will hit the gym or workout at home, then go to work, come home for dinner, and chill out with the TV. A small percentage of you will go to either a second job or an evening job, some will work on a degree or a home-based business.
Sounds normal, it’s what people expect, and it’s comfortable. Whether you agree with her in other areas or not, the following quote is spot on.
We are addicted to comfort.
-Joyce Meyer
Breaking the Comfort Addiction
In the middle of your comfortable life have you ever just stopped? Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, “Is this all there is God?” Not in a questioning whether or not God knows what is best, but rather just trying to figure out what’s going on.
I think those are the precious moments, in the middle of our busyness, while we are just “doing life” that God breaks in.
Let me ask you three questions.
· Is there space in your life for God to move?
· Are you open to change from Him?
· If He asked, would you completely change your current path?
I’ll bet you quickly answered “Yes!” to those questions. Now stop. Just pause and reflect. Reread each of those questions one at a time. Turn them into prayers.
“God, help me to open up my life for you to move. Change anything and everything as You see fit. I’m ready to go and do whatever You ask wherever You lead.”
What if He asks you to quit your job and start a ministry, or become a missionary, or to NOT quit your job just yet?
A Lesson from the Children
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
-Mark 10:13-16 NIV
Let me explain why I have the above quote from the book of Mark in this post.
When you tell your young child something, they usually take it on faith. They implicitly trust you. Sometimes they like it and sometimes they don’t, but they trust that you will not do them harm.
As adults we believe we know what to expect in life. We have a routine, and we expect that routine to continue. However, change is inevitable. When the unexpected happens, we freak out a little (or a lot) and run to God in a panic. But following after God means receiving what happens in life like a little child.
My wonderful wife and I are learning that we can only hold on to God and to each other. Our children are adults now, with their own families, and they make their own decisions. At this point we are empty nesters…and that’s ok. Those of you who have children in your homes, especially little children, probably can’t even imagine that time in your lives. It will come. Let me give you a gentle warning. If you have built everything in your lives around your children, then the empty nest will be the one of the hardest times in your life.
However, if you have built your lives to accept God’s plan as children yourselves then you’ll see this as the next adventure. For my favorite girl and me God is revealing new and exciting things almost daily. It is SO fun!
Let’s wrap this up. Your life will either be filled with change and a completely high stress mess because you are trying to control everything OR your life will be filled with change and an exciting adventure following after God. You can’t avoid change, but if you have faith as a little child then you can minimize both stress and worry.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
-Psalm 56:3 CSB
One last thought. When you open up your schedule, your family, your career, and your life to God you can expect He will act. If you don’t open up these things to God then change will still happen, but not necessarily in the ideal way. If you want the fruit of God’s full plan for your life, then you have to ask for it and jump in with both feet!
Love you Jesus follower!
-Troy
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