The Uncomfortable Zone

We all have our favorite places of comfort...

A chair for relaxing, a blanket for consolation, a pillow for rest, the preferred positon for the driver's seat of our favorite car... you weren't expecting that, were you?

***Wednesday bonus story: My former roommate was in automotive benchmarking (aka: vehicle teardown & analysis). When we moved into our apartment, he brought with him the driver's seat from a Volvo sedan. Total bachelor pad decor, but it was incredible comfortable. I wonder if he still has it?

We have our favorite foods after a stressful day (hopefully on the somewhat healthy side), our favorite music or station to clear our minds... all good things. They are important; they have their place, and they are critical to our sanity most of the time.

The problem is that comfort does not position one to take action.

Sure, there's a lot to be said for being comfortable while you are working, and certainly, your productivity is affected accordingly, but that's not the train I'm on.

As you look about your life; what's in it, what's wrong with it, what could be better and what needs to be fixed or removed altogether... places of uncertainty, unrest and grief can and should be powerful motivators that prompt us to get things sorted and straightened out.  Granted we won't fix or accomplish everything, certainly not at once, but places that lack comfort make room for the miraculous.

Consider Peter in the boat. Granted it might not have been comfortable with the surrounding storm, but certainly it was more comfortable than being in the water. Yet, when answering the call to step out of his comfort, the miraculous happened.

Moses left the comfort of Egypt, the disciples left the comfort of their professions, Ruth denied the comfort of returning to her family choosing the uncertainty of staying with Naomi, Gideon went against his better instinct, turning away the support of a massive army in favor of a select handful by comparison...

Lest we forget... a ministry repleat with the miraculous, doesn't exist if Christ doesn't leave the comfort of heaven.

Whether a parent whose served God most of their life, a young person learning about God; a seasoned Senior Pastor or the first time pastoring kids and teens... how a great a reminder that powerful change is possible when we move out of our comfort zones. More often than not, the uncomfortable places are breeding grounds for the miraculous in our lives.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that though difficult and a time disconcerting, may we not become so lax in our comfort that we fail to step into places that are uncomfortable. May pastors (and believers alike, for that matter) would respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the call of God as to when and where He would have us move and engage in this life. Pray opportunities to take action and witness positive change for the kingdom of God would be great and frequent.

Unafraid of the uncomfortable on earth, 
For the comfort of Heaven awaits.
May boldness and strength drive us
In anticipation of the miraculous.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC