The first time I watched Naked & Afraid on TV, I could not stop laughing. I didn’t quite understand WHY two complete strangers would WANT to try to survive out in the wilderness with no clothes on. Still to this day, it does not make sense to me. They do not know each other, their location is desolate, and the only thing they have is the one “survival” item they brought with them. WHO WOULD SIGN UP FOR SOMETHING LIKE THAT?!
Me. I did. (without really knowing)
I just got back from Training Camp for 10 days in Georgia. It was my own Jesus version of Naked & Afraid. I walked into camp not knowing a single person on my squad. Everyone met in the deep hills of Georgia. And all we had were the packs on our back with things we desperately squeezed in, hoping and praying it was not too heavy to carry. A lot like the contestants on Naked & Afraid, I was uncomfortable.
Living in a tent, is uncomfortable. Using a cold bucket shower, is uncomfortable. Being vulnerable with your team, is uncomfortable. Hiking with 35lbs on your back, is uncomfortable. Using a portapotty, is uncomfortable. Wearing no make-up, is uncomfortable. Sweating 24/7, is uncomfortable. Letting God tear down the walls of your heart, is uncomfortable.
But I believe with all my heart that God lives on the other side of our comfort zones. He wants us to step out and choose to be uncomfortable. It is not always fun, but I promise it is worth it. What I found was once I embraced the uncomfortableness… God was already there moving.
A tent became home. Bucket showers became refreshing. Being vulnerable became rewarding. Hiking in the Georgia heat became normal (sort of). There became no shame in using the portapotty. Wearing no make-up became beautiful. Sweating became standard. And God tearing down my walls became freeing.
I think of the men and women in the Bible who were willing to get comfortable being uncomfortable. They all had to die to themselves and take up their cross. I don’t know about you, but dying to myself does not sound like a walk in the park. But I choose to fight and say ‘yes’ to my Savior. I am willing to place myself in new situations, even the awkward stomach-churning ones, for the sake of seeing the Kingdom advance. Will it be a daily battle?! Absolutely. But I know my God’s grace is sufficient.
So friends, let’s start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. I have a feeling I’ll have many, many stories of God rocking my world when it comes to my comfort zone… so stay tuned… it is just the beginning.
