Addicted to Comfortable

God is calling us away from the delusion of thinking we always need to be comfortable. So many people fall away from Him as soon as they realize this reality. Yes, God is our peace, joy, strength, and all those wonderful things He promised to be to us. But have you ever really pondered WHY He needs to be all those things for us? Because we will be hard-pressed on every side!

People in general are completely addicted to comfortable. Discomfort them in any way, big or small, and they pitch a fit and run the first chance they get! People you thought were your friends suddenly turn away and disappear because you or a circumstance has made them uncomfortable in some way. What ever happened to loyalty and commitment? Gone with the first sign of trouble!

If you REALLY read God's word, you'll find promise after promise for helping you to OVERCOME BATTLES. The truth is, if you're really doing something to make a difference or to stand up for righteousness, you will disturb the comfort. That makes you a target for finger pointing and scorn from others. Why do you have to go and stir the pot? Why is all that necessary? Why can't we just keep doing it the same old way? We liked it better that way! So what if it was wrong - everyone was comfortable with that... Don't challenge us! Ignorance is bliss!

My problem is that I'm not satisfied with mediocrity, injustice or apathy. Maybe it's my upbringing. Maybe it's my perfectionistic personality. Or, just maybe, it's the spirit of the Living God rising up inside of me saying - "I've called you for rising above the normal, comfortable life." God wants excellence, honor, integrity and COMMITMENT in everything we set our hands to do.

If you rise to that call, be forewarned -- you will not have a lot of company. You will be judged, criticized, and oftentimes abandoned by those you least expect. You'll hear it from those that don't want any disturbing of their own personal bubble of comfort. I shake my head in disbelief every time I see it happen, though by now it shouldn't really surprise me from anyone anymore.

No, I'm not being cynical or bitter. I have simply realized the reality of taking up my cross to follow Jesus. I have grown thicker skin. I have finally come to see beyond the surface of what people say and do and I can more clearly see the enemy working behind the scenes to stir up strifes and contentions. My eyes are wide open and I am not ignorant of who my real enemy is or what his tactics are. There's nothing new under the sun, and he has no new tricks either.

I am determined not to be one of the "comfortable" addicts. Do I wish life was easier and more peaceful? Oh, yeah! More than I can even express! BUT, I know there is a much bigger picture than just my little world and my own problems. The enemy just wants to get me so distracted in my own pile of broken dreams and rubble that I just sit there and wallow in my failures and disappointments.

Yet, I can't stay here just because I think it might be more uncomfortable to move out into the unknown. Sometimes we stay in a horrible place because we're more afraid of what we don't know. At least in this mess, we know what to expect!

NO! I must rise up! I must stretch my boundaries! I must throw off all the things that so easily entangle me and set my eyes on Him to lift me above the rubble! It might bring some temporary pain and discomfort in the transition, but I know my Daddy only allows what is for my ultimate good! He loves me too much to leave me in the crowded place of comfort. He didn't live a comfortable life and isn't He supposed to be my example?

It's time we determine that we will follow His leading, no matter how uncomfortable it makes us, or how many people abandon us because they don't "get" the vision God has put inside of us. God is good and will bring true covenant friends. But don't expect to be crowded by them, for they will be few and far between. But, oh, how precious they are when you find them!