COMFORT. Such a complicated word at times. It seems so easy to fall into its trap because pride can sneak its way in telling you you deserve to be comfortable for xyz reason.
For example, I worked a long hard day and deserve to be able to sit back and relax when I get home. Do you really deserve it or do you just want it? Do you ignore your family for the sake of this comfort? Put it first before them or other things needing to be done?
What is it that you find comfort in? Where do you run to seek comfort? Is it binging on your favorite snack because you’ve had a bad day and it makes you feel better? Is it some other form of self-soothing that seems harmless but has an underlying stream of not being good for you in the long run? You see it’s easy to live in a microwave society of instant gratification (Veruca Salt anyone?) rather than focus on the long term results by delaying gratification. The thought on my mind this last week is “Why not give me something I request if it’s good for me? You do give good gifts to your children.” The answer I keep hearing is “But what I have for you is so much better if you can be patient”. My how my own creature comforts sometimes hinder my ability to be patient especially when my choice is between serving self or others.
Why do we find ourselves somewhere in the midst of running after the comfort of false gods yet questioning when our blessing will come? We develop this lack of affection for people, insecurity, conforming instead of transforming, and seeking everything and one but the one who can truly help us.
I wonder if my being an American is what stimulates my desire to be comfortable or if its merely human nature? I know we can come to rely on it too much especially in the Western World. Across the globe the majority of people live in ways we would never think to subject ourselves to on a daily basis yet it is their normal everyday reality and in ways is comfortable to them.
As I embark on this upcoming journey, I’ve realized that comfort has to go. When I’m comfortable I become less reliant on the Father, sin creeps in, and I don’t seek after what it is I am called to do for the kingdom. It’s much easier to push it off and procrastinate awhile. I know there will be many times where myself and the whole team will be uncomfortable physically, spiritually, mentally, and culturally. Our squad mentor even has been praying for this as we prepare to launch.
My prayer is that growth will come through whatever avenues of being uncomfortable rising up and that our ultimate comfort will come through the presence of G-d.
