God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what He pleases. —Philippians 2:13
Deep down we all desire comfort. We want to be safe and protected and warm and full. We want the A+ in that philosophy course we haven’t studied in. We want that hot husband who is good with money and loves little dogs. We want that perfect child who obeys and never talks back. Oh yes, we love our comfort bubble.
Oddly enough, I hear people mention desert hermits or cloistered nuns with such confusion and sometimes disdain. Removed. Alone. Separated. Untouched, unreached, unknown. Confused by the notion of why anyone would want to live an isolated life, we stare from afar and wonder how anyone can live so far detached from the world.
But for many of us, isolation equates safety.
We may not build a hut in the dessert or live in the basement with nothing but cans and a can opener, but we spiritually cloister ourselves and stay safe by staying away. No one knows who we are, how we fall short, or where we are broken. We don’t have spiritual conversations, we don’t get involved in ministry, we don’t do anything to make us live openly, honestly, and raw.
Comfort isn’t God’s goal for our life. Changing us into people of great character—someone who is spiritually like His son—is His goal for our lives. Living a life like a spiritual hermit or cloistered nun will not keep us safe. It will retard our spiritual growth and stunt transformation progress.
Where are you alone? Are you living your life out loud? Or are you more concerned about your comfort?
My word for this year is 'Uncomfortable' (I blogged about it http://sphysick.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/one-word… – I'm always praying for God to use me to do His will, but in my heart it's always 'send me where you need me, as long as it's somewhere I'm comfortable'. I may not be going to slums in Africa or the tent villages in Haiti, but slowly I am doing things that are out of my comfort zone. It's not something I embrace very easily, but I agree that it is definitely important to make those steps outside in order to truly do His will.
Ugh! My one word is "stripped." I feel you. I can't wait to read your post!
That's an interesting word – would make an interesting post! (unless I missed it already?!)
(sorry, I don't know why the link didn't work http://sphysick.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/one-word… )
I had an encouraging conversation about relationships just yesterday and how they can make us uncomfortable, vulnerable and open to brutal hurt or a great joy. My pastor's wife highly recommended the book "Changes That Heal". Highly highly recommend it! 🙂
You're the second person to recommend that book, Carrie. I got to add it to the list of must-reads.
Lord, give us the strength to break out of this ""comfort bubble "and experience more of life in Christ Jesus.
Mommy, you're the best!!!
I love her too. 🙂
Thanks for this Bianca – really good words. Thanks for the daily reminders, encouragement and challenges – just this morning on my way to work I said to God, "what do you want me to do next?" – scary words to say for me – because I know it may just take me out of my comfort zone. So cool to read you blog and remember, that uncomfortable takes courage but it is never out of God's control. By the way, even thougth I havent commented in a while, I still have a crush on you (dont worry!).
Oh LMB! How I've missed thee. I'm going to be at EVF next weekend for Dignity. Hopefully I'll see you there 😉
I know I’m comfortable.. I desire the closeness with God without the hurt, the denying of self, the sacrifice, the tears the suffering.. I’m starting ministry again after many yrs of being away and I’m bracing for what’s ahead. I know God’s plans for me are not evil, but I don’t like no having control of the future. So as I step out of my bubble, pray for me
I'm SO happy for you! Good job. Even when it's hard, keep at it!
it's true, all i want is a cuddle space, but God insists i not get so comfortable, I guess the thing is I'm not going to be here very long so making nice with the world really isn't going to benefit me in heaven. To get too comfortable is to forget our mortality, we are not meant to b here forever
Alli, this is one thing I'm constantly being reminded of. Over. And over. And over.
i was just talking with my husband Noel about this…being uncomfortable. painfully uncomfortable right now…and he said "Good!" After my jaw hit the floor he went on to explain how being in my uncomfortable spot enables me to rely on God more and strive more in His strength. when i'm comfortable, i get too lazy and self-confident… I'm not gonna lie. It is no bueno! It turns my stomach in knots…but He is stretching me and that means I might grow an inch or two before the year is over! 😉
Aren't our husbands SO mean?! Ugh! 😉
Sometimes I'm positive that God gave me someone who would hurt my feelings in love. He (and Noel) push us to our limits… but it comes with a beautiful benefit!
Thank you, Bianca for all the encouraging words, truths, and needed hard questions that we need in our lives! You always know what to ask to make us think about how our spiritual life is going and where we could improve. I think we all need a little more of that! Just recently I allowed myself to be really vulnerable and shared some of my deep insecurities with my close friend and it was a relief to know someone else knew and it was out in the open so it took away that secrecy! I love your blog and I actually started reading it because my roommate (who is a photographer) follows your sister, and through all kinds of connections like that I found it. Crazy how God does that!
I once heard that the Holy Spirit is our comforter because we need to be uncomfortable sometimes.
Love that your mom comments and encourages too! I hope I can be a mom like her x
I'm learning to step outside of my comfort zone! My biggest issue has been not trusting others so I'm always guarded and can sometimes come across as someone that needs to seriously lighten up! I've been praying about it, because it is seriously comfortable where I am, but also very lonely. Today I took the first step and actually met up with another photographer (first time ever meeting her) and we talked, worked, and talked some more at Panera Bread! 😉
Thanks for this challenge, Bianca! You are thinking right where I am at–I am ready to get "uncomfortable" for Christ! I want to be in the Lord's Will more than anything and I know that stretching and growing me is a big part of making this happen–and more often than not, stretching and growing is uncomfortable!
Thanks so much for the scripture and blog, I shared also as it really made things in perspective.
I love checking in and reading your thoughts. You are insightful, encouraging and undoubtedly the holy spirit uses your lips (or written words here I guess) to speak to many. I want to just make you aware of using the word 'retard'. I certainly understand you were just using it in the context of its definition and meant absolutely nothing other than that by it, but I just want to make you aware of how utterly painful that word is to some. It shoots a pain you cant imagine into the heart of a momma with a precious disabled angel. Again, I know you were not meaning it as anything other than a literal definition there… but just as a reference for future speaking or writing, there are a million other words to choose from to get the point across, so I would just encourage you to do so next time. Hopefully this is not coming across angry or hateful in any way. Neither of those things are in my heart, but rather I would just like to make you aware of the pain (ache like you wouldnt believe unless you KNOW it) that comes with that word. In any way, shape or form. Thanks. You are light to many!
Sorry for the late response. Comments without email addresses don't come through to my inbox. Sorry!
I'm glad you realized that the word was used in the linguistically context, but I appreciate your concern and in no way would I want to offend you. Thanks for sharing your concern in grace 🙂
I highly recomend the irresististble revolution. Amazing book. Calls us out of our comfort zones.
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Bianca, I'm always blessed by your posts… This one is no exception. I needed to read this today. The safe way is not always so safe, and it's so selfish when I stop and think about it. More often than not though, I try not to think about it. But God is working on me! And you've been a part of the process! Thank you for shining so brightly for Jesus.
Absolutely!!! I'm blessed to do so 🙂
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