Man, I like to be comfortable.
As soon as I get home I put comfy clothes or pjs on.
I also like to be around people who make me comfortable.
I like to be in places where I’m comfortable.
I like to do things I’m comfortable doing.
But I’ve learned if you’re a follower of Christ, choosing to be uncomfortable is where we need to be.
If we only serve Christ where we’re comfortable, we’re going to miss out on doing greater things for Christ. We’re going to miss out on God getting even more glory. We’re going to miss out on receiving bigger blessings in our own lives. We’re going to miss out on becoming more mature in our faith.
Looking back, the biggest blessings I’ve experienced while serving Christ came when I was serving where I wasn’t comfortable.
The first and best example is when I started playing the piano at church.
I hate being in the spotlight, but my church needed a pianist. Very reluctantly, I said I would play. Hands shaking, and a nervous wreck I played every week. And over 20 years later, I’m still playing.
And while I hope God has used it to minister to others, it has probably more ministered to me.
The biggest way is it’s kept me in church.
It’s kept me dedicated to being there.
But it’s also offered me a way to use my talent to praise God.
It’s given me peace when the world around me is chaos.
It’s also given me a room full of people who are so kind and caring and just being around them makes me feel better.
And while I’m more comfortable now, I’m still not comfortable. My hands still shake.
I don’t think we’re meant to be fully comfortable serving the Lord.
If we were, we would probably have too much confidence in ourselves that WE were able to do things in our own strength.
But when we’re uncomfortable, we KNOW we need God. We KNOW we can’t do it alone. We KNOW we need His strength and power.
If you only say, “yes” to serving God when it’s easy or comfortable, you’re really not serving Him well. You’re missing out on blessings He has for you and for others.
The next time you’re given an opportunity to serve and your first thought is “no,” try saying, “yes” instead.
After seeing it over and over in my life, I can assure you that you won’t regret it.
Be obedient when God asks you to do something.
Don’t make excuses.
Don’t put it off.
Even if you’re scared to death.
Even if you don’t think you can.
Even if you’re uncomfortable.
Be obedient.
God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. And obedience is better than sacrifice.
“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22
