Remember that scene in “Hitch” where Hitch finally realizes how much he loves Sarah and he runs to her apartment. He knocks on the door and tries to tell her how he feels. Behind the door, through a peephole he says, “I just know I want to be…miserable. Like, “really” miserable. But hey, if that’s what it takes for me to be happy, then….wait, that didn’t come out right.”
I always love how desperate and vulnerable Hitch is in this conversation. He finally rises up and fights for what he wants; even when it seems there is another man in the picture. I think this is a perfect picture how the world is searching and fighting for love, for true connection and belonging. Once they find their one true love they are willing to be absolutely miserable if that’s what it takes to be with that person.
People do amazing things in the name of love. I mean, Hitch jumped on top of Sara’s car!
But this love never lasts. Even if they get married and live together for many years; it still wastes away.
But God’s love never ends. Jesus loves us so passionately that He died a horrible death to restore that relationship between humans and God. Jesus lavishes His love on us that conquered death and gave us His Holy Spirit. This means that I belong to Jesus. With Jesus, I have access to the throne of the Living God. He chose me and calls me His own child. He pursues me with an overflowing love.
So my question: am I willing to be “really” miserable for Jesus Christ? Am I willing to deny my comforts and luxuries and time for my relationship with the One True God?
Now, do not misunderstand. Living in obedience to Jesus, does not mean that we are miserable. Obedience to Jesus is a delight! (Psalm 40:8) To be truly alive and free is following Jesus and listening to the One who created us and who knows exactly what we need. Also, I am not saying that I think the World Race is going to be miserable. Though to be honest, I am sure there may be some miserable moments (but that’s just life!)
I want to go on the World Race to KNOW God more deeply. I want to become uncomfortable in order to truly depend on the comfort of the One who made me. I want to live for His kingdom, not my own desires and dreams. I want to LOOK at the world through God’s eyes. I want to pursue Jesus with full abandon. Ultimately, I want to follow God’s calling in my life. He has given me this desire to become an international missionary and I am obeying His call.
So my point: living in obedience to Jesus requires us to step out in faith. Obedience requires us to become uncomfortable. It could mean to invest in our neighbor or share the gospel with a close friend. It could mean following Him around the world. J Jesus said, “If you truly desire to be my disciple, you must disown your life completely, embrace my ‘cross’ as your own, and surrender to my ways.” (Luke 9:23, TPT) Once we begin a relationship with Jesus; He does not remain a doormat but He actively calls us to KNOW Him more and more deeply.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he called us to proclaim His Good News. Oswald Chambers wrote, “Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women, but to be proclaimers of the gospel of God. The one all-important thing is that the gospel of God should be recognized as the abiding reality. Reality is not human goodness, or holiness, or heaven, or hell – it is redemption.”
Are you willing to become miserable or uncomfortable for the gospel? Or what has God been telling you to give up (deny) for the glory of the Gospel? The reality is that to truly live; is to live for Christ no matter the worldly consequence. I pray that you will hear God’s voice and surrender to His call in your everyday life.
Please comment below or send me an email. If you have a prayer request, let me know! Also, I would love to talk more with you about the World Race and ways to get involved. Love in Christ!
