While I was in Thailand I got the word “the price“ tattooed on my right wrist in Thai. I know it’s silly but in reality it means a lot to me. Something I’ve always struggled with is striving to not live in accordance to what my flesh desires. A lot of what being on the field has taught me derived from this idea. I often fall victim to things that I desire. I seek sanctuary in things that make me feel closer to home and that comfort me. Whether it be eating an extra snack or sleeping in an extra 10 minutes. I seek comfort.
While in Guatemala, our ministry host Gabe had a talk with us one day and asked me what God was speaking over me and what he asked what I was feeling. I told him of my apathetic ways and how I felt as If l was wasting time and seeking comfort. The things I wanted to give up and the discomfort I wanted to seek coincide with the price I need to pay daily. 1 Peter 4:12-13 talks in-depth about paying the price of being a Christian. It tells us not to be surprised by the fiery trials we face as if something strange were happening, but instead be very glad because in these trials you are partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world. I personally often seek comfort when I suffer from anything and am honestly surprised and bitter because of these things. But God doesn’t tell us to be bitter and He certainly doesn’t speak comfortability over us. My tattoo is a continuous reminder specifically for me to pay the price of following Jesus and to do those things with joy.
