Uncomfortable in God's Will
It's amazing the lasting impact that can come from one random conversation. For me, one comment that has left a lasting impression on my life comes from a conversation that I had with my pastor's wife over 10 years ago. We didn't talk regularly, and I can't remember how it came up, but I remember that we were talking after service one day, and she was telling me about their family's decision to move overseas as missionaries. Her own parents didn't really seem to understand, and she said that she herself often doubted the decision. But then she said something that I now am striving to live my life by. She said,
"Would you rather be comfortable and out of God's will or uncomfortable and in God's will?"
I like to be comfortable. And it's easy tell myself that I'm in God's will. It's easy to accept the easy times as a "reward" and to take some "time off" from the uncomfortable things that God calls us to do. There are seasons of life that require restoration and rejuvenation, for sure, but then there's just plain not wanting to be uncomfortable. And to be honest, life's in a pretty comfortable place right now. It's amazing how well a two-year old and a four-year old can entertain themselves! The first time, I was like, "Ok, back away slowly..." But now I know that I can actually get some stuff done while they spend an hour playing together with duplos. I no longer have to be the good guy to Matt's villain - that's what little sisters are for! I've read books - plural! And the idea of packing up the two of them to go to the aquarium or park isn't so daunting. Life is good. And very comfortable.
Funny how the Lord begins preparing your heart before you're ready. You're laying on your beach chair sipping on some lemonade, and God says, "You should get up and stretch." Easy enough. You might lay back down. Then he says, "Look, there are other people on the beach!" You glance up and go back to your book. "Some of them are swimming. You should go join them." No thanks, I've already been swimming. "They look tired. You should go join them." Yep. I'm tired too. "I don't know how much longer they can swim. You should go join them." Then they should come in and find a beach chair. "I asked them to keep swimming." Well, they listened, and if they're tired they should go take a break. "They're being faithful. They would be able to keep swimming if you came along side them." You glace up again and see someone standing on the dock next to the swimmers. He throws in a life preserver. You close your eyes again. Not your problem.
You have a choice. Listen to God. Come alongside those swimmers and allow them to continue swimming. Because it's what God asked them to do. Because it's what he's asked you to do. Or you can say that you already swam earlier and that it's someone else's turn. Close your eyes and bask in the comfortable sunlight.
It's been a while since we've had a foster baby in our home. It would be easy to tune out all the needs, to think, "Oh, we're doing our part already! We've had babies before - we've even adopted!" But there are the pokes, the gentle prodding, so you take a step toward the dock. You tell your foster agency that you're ready to be on the list again now that your recertification is finished. You figure that when the time is right again, the Lord will bring the right child into your home; he'll help you ease into that cold lake. And then five minutes later the phone rings. A newborn needs a home. Today. You have a choice. Lay back down on your beach chair. Or you can go running toward the edge of the pier and hope and know that God will not let you drown. Because he hasn't brought you this far just to drop you. The water will be cold. There will be slimy seaweed. You will get tired of doggy-paddling. But just when you think you are going to slip under and drown, God will give you a life ring. It's not a beach chair in the sun, but it's a chance to rest. It's strength when you thought you had none. It's support. And hopefully others are listening and will get off their beach chairs. Because if we swim together we will last much longer. And we will find joy in the journey.
What about you? Would you rather be comfortable and out of God's will, or uncomfortable in God's will?
"Would you rather be comfortable and out of God's will or uncomfortable and in God's will?"
I like to be comfortable. And it's easy tell myself that I'm in God's will. It's easy to accept the easy times as a "reward" and to take some "time off" from the uncomfortable things that God calls us to do. There are seasons of life that require restoration and rejuvenation, for sure, but then there's just plain not wanting to be uncomfortable. And to be honest, life's in a pretty comfortable place right now. It's amazing how well a two-year old and a four-year old can entertain themselves! The first time, I was like, "Ok, back away slowly..." But now I know that I can actually get some stuff done while they spend an hour playing together with duplos. I no longer have to be the good guy to Matt's villain - that's what little sisters are for! I've read books - plural! And the idea of packing up the two of them to go to the aquarium or park isn't so daunting. Life is good. And very comfortable.
Funny how the Lord begins preparing your heart before you're ready. You're laying on your beach chair sipping on some lemonade, and God says, "You should get up and stretch." Easy enough. You might lay back down. Then he says, "Look, there are other people on the beach!" You glance up and go back to your book. "Some of them are swimming. You should go join them." No thanks, I've already been swimming. "They look tired. You should go join them." Yep. I'm tired too. "I don't know how much longer they can swim. You should go join them." Then they should come in and find a beach chair. "I asked them to keep swimming." Well, they listened, and if they're tired they should go take a break. "They're being faithful. They would be able to keep swimming if you came along side them." You glace up again and see someone standing on the dock next to the swimmers. He throws in a life preserver. You close your eyes again. Not your problem.
You have a choice. Listen to God. Come alongside those swimmers and allow them to continue swimming. Because it's what God asked them to do. Because it's what he's asked you to do. Or you can say that you already swam earlier and that it's someone else's turn. Close your eyes and bask in the comfortable sunlight.
It's been a while since we've had a foster baby in our home. It would be easy to tune out all the needs, to think, "Oh, we're doing our part already! We've had babies before - we've even adopted!" But there are the pokes, the gentle prodding, so you take a step toward the dock. You tell your foster agency that you're ready to be on the list again now that your recertification is finished. You figure that when the time is right again, the Lord will bring the right child into your home; he'll help you ease into that cold lake. And then five minutes later the phone rings. A newborn needs a home. Today. You have a choice. Lay back down on your beach chair. Or you can go running toward the edge of the pier and hope and know that God will not let you drown. Because he hasn't brought you this far just to drop you. The water will be cold. There will be slimy seaweed. You will get tired of doggy-paddling. But just when you think you are going to slip under and drown, God will give you a life ring. It's not a beach chair in the sun, but it's a chance to rest. It's strength when you thought you had none. It's support. And hopefully others are listening and will get off their beach chairs. Because if we swim together we will last much longer. And we will find joy in the journey.
What about you? Would you rather be comfortable and out of God's will, or uncomfortable in God's will?
You have a beautiful gift, sweetie - thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your facebook post tells it all! "2 Energetic Kiddos + 1 Sweet Newborn - 1 Sweet Newborn + 1 Newborn)A timespan of just a few weeks = 1 tired household in transition. Prayers appreciated!"
ReplyDeleteYou can now add a -1 Sweet Newborn! I love you! Mom