Blog Home
View All Posts
"GETTING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE"
Segment from last "Eye of the Storm" radio broadcast
"GETTING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE"
Huh? How can that be? Is it not an oxymoron? True that one can not really be totally comfortable while being uncomfortable but one can have peace and joy in the midst of discomfort, even function and get used to being uncomfortable as well as prepare for discomfort which helps ease the blow, all through the strength of Christ!
Php 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased ( brought low), and I know how to abound ( excel,: have abundance) every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ( parenthesis added)
Notice that Apostle Paul says that he has LEARNED to be content in any situation. It did not happen overnight. It is through the growth in our walks with the Lord and through enduring our various life circumstances ( as uncomfortable as they may be) that we learn. Joy of the Lord is there and true when one is born again but at the same time discomfort is a very important aspect of the walk with Christ. It is not easy to know the truth (including all the wickedness around and Christ being the only way to salvation), and then on top of that share the truth, and then get hatred and false accusations for sharing the truth. Simply caring for people's souls and wanting them to know truth in love is our heart's intention, and when people time and time again attack us for loving them, it does not feel comfortable. More than even the false accusations and being misunderstood, is the grief that these people are lost on their way to hell and don't realize it. Hard to be comfortable with that. The truth is that people have freewill and make choices, and God did not make robots, and unfortunately many people choose to reject the gospel and the only way to be saved.
It is understandable to have grief being in this world that is not our home. Many of us have a common sentiment of being sick of this wicked world.
Rom 8:22-23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Suffering is to be expected. We have never been told the narrow path would be an easy road, but we are told it is so worth it!
Rom 8:17-18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
We have been told to expect suffering, and then encouraged to keep on keeping on and even rejoice!
2 Ti 3:12-14 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
1Pe 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
"happy are ye" G3107- supremely blest; by extension fortunate, well off: - blessed
So then many of our trials and hard times are blessings? Yes!
1Pe 3:14-17 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
So many people that start to get hit by reality either run away from it, twist scripture to make painful things somehow easier to digest, or compromise and start joining the world, all just to avoid discomfort cause it does not feel good to groan inside. But although much of the truth of reality is uncomfortable, we must stand in it and focus on what we can do. The moment we run, ignore, or compromise we are not clearly able to know the Lord's will for our life and what we need to be doing. We get thrown off course. How can we expect to clearly know the Lord's will in our life if we are hiding from what the Lord is showing us with the new eyes He gave us? Yes it is through the new eyes that we can see reality for what it really is. We only really understand to any extent the reality of hell, and even the wickedness on earth after we have new eyes to see. Sure many unbelievers can see the world is falling apart and that destruction is happening all over like never before, but they fail to understand the real spiritual principalities that are running it through the prince of this world, Satan. Really understanding good and evil changes the whole perspective as it is spiritually discerned ( 1 Cor 2:14). Just as real as the evil is, there is just as real of a good personal God who saves and is above all evil! Halleluyah! It is a blessing to know truth!
So let us not run from truth and rather courageously step into that uncomfortable place willingly because we are choosing to suffer and know truth ready and willing to do what the Lord wants in the midst of it. Words from Jesus /Yeshua:
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
"Tribulation"- G2347 -pressure (literally or figuratively): - afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.
"be of good cheer" -G2293 ; to have courage:
1Pe 1:5-7 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
What is something that really inspires one to share the gospel? I know that knowing and understanding the uncomfortable truth and reality of hell sure will. Why is it that Yeshua/Jesus talked about hell more than heaven? Who likes to think about the reality of hell? Surely it is not fun, but it is very important to keeping proper perspective. We don't have to constantly 24/7 talk about and think about hell but if we do keep in mind the real truth of it, it will change the way we approach situations in at least three different ways ( ones that come to mind). For one we can have more compassion for the lost people who are mean and evil to us ( thinking about the truth of where they are headed if they don't repent), which in turn enables us to be more loving to them instead of rendering evil for evil...which means we become better witnesses for Christ. Two, keeping proper perspective of hell being real gives us boldness to share the gospel good news when we normally would be too afraid to. What is the good news? The good news is that through the ultimate sacrifice with the death, burial and Resurrection of Yeshua Machiach/Jesus Christ there is a way out of hell~! Through faith in Him as our Lord and Saviour there is hope! Now when we have proper perspective we will care less about how a person views us, because we understand it is way more important to share truth that pertains to ones eternal destination.Three, keeping proper perspective of hell being real, helps us in our walk to make sure we are obedient in all things cause we do have fear and respect for the Lord. Talking to believers Yeshua says:
Mat 10:27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
Mat 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
With love, sacrifice, and courage let us be uncomfortable for the Lord!!!!
**Ref link in Comments
"GETTING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE"
Huh? How can that be? Is it not an oxymoron? True that one can not really be totally comfortable while being uncomfortable but one can have peace and joy in the midst of discomfort, even function and get used to being uncomfortable as well as prepare for discomfort which helps ease the blow, all through the strength of Christ!
Php 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased ( brought low), and I know how to abound ( excel,: have abundance) every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ( parenthesis added)
Notice that Apostle Paul says that he has LEARNED to be content in any situation. It did not happen overnight. It is through the growth in our walks with the Lord and through enduring our various life circumstances ( as uncomfortable as they may be) that we learn. Joy of the Lord is there and true when one is born again but at the same time discomfort is a very important aspect of the walk with Christ. It is not easy to know the truth (including all the wickedness around and Christ being the only way to salvation), and then on top of that share the truth, and then get hatred and false accusations for sharing the truth. Simply caring for people's souls and wanting them to know truth in love is our heart's intention, and when people time and time again attack us for loving them, it does not feel comfortable. More than even the false accusations and being misunderstood, is the grief that these people are lost on their way to hell and don't realize it. Hard to be comfortable with that. The truth is that people have freewill and make choices, and God did not make robots, and unfortunately many people choose to reject the gospel and the only way to be saved.
It is understandable to have grief being in this world that is not our home. Many of us have a common sentiment of being sick of this wicked world.
Rom 8:22-23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Suffering is to be expected. We have never been told the narrow path would be an easy road, but we are told it is so worth it!
Rom 8:17-18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
We have been told to expect suffering, and then encouraged to keep on keeping on and even rejoice!
2 Ti 3:12-14 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
1Pe 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
"happy are ye" G3107- supremely blest; by extension fortunate, well off: - blessed
So then many of our trials and hard times are blessings? Yes!
1Pe 3:14-17 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
So many people that start to get hit by reality either run away from it, twist scripture to make painful things somehow easier to digest, or compromise and start joining the world, all just to avoid discomfort cause it does not feel good to groan inside. But although much of the truth of reality is uncomfortable, we must stand in it and focus on what we can do. The moment we run, ignore, or compromise we are not clearly able to know the Lord's will for our life and what we need to be doing. We get thrown off course. How can we expect to clearly know the Lord's will in our life if we are hiding from what the Lord is showing us with the new eyes He gave us? Yes it is through the new eyes that we can see reality for what it really is. We only really understand to any extent the reality of hell, and even the wickedness on earth after we have new eyes to see. Sure many unbelievers can see the world is falling apart and that destruction is happening all over like never before, but they fail to understand the real spiritual principalities that are running it through the prince of this world, Satan. Really understanding good and evil changes the whole perspective as it is spiritually discerned ( 1 Cor 2:14). Just as real as the evil is, there is just as real of a good personal God who saves and is above all evil! Halleluyah! It is a blessing to know truth!
So let us not run from truth and rather courageously step into that uncomfortable place willingly because we are choosing to suffer and know truth ready and willing to do what the Lord wants in the midst of it. Words from Jesus /Yeshua:
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
"Tribulation"- G2347 -pressure (literally or figuratively): - afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.
"be of good cheer" -G2293 ; to have courage:
1Pe 1:5-7 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
What is something that really inspires one to share the gospel? I know that knowing and understanding the uncomfortable truth and reality of hell sure will. Why is it that Yeshua/Jesus talked about hell more than heaven? Who likes to think about the reality of hell? Surely it is not fun, but it is very important to keeping proper perspective. We don't have to constantly 24/7 talk about and think about hell but if we do keep in mind the real truth of it, it will change the way we approach situations in at least three different ways ( ones that come to mind). For one we can have more compassion for the lost people who are mean and evil to us ( thinking about the truth of where they are headed if they don't repent), which in turn enables us to be more loving to them instead of rendering evil for evil...which means we become better witnesses for Christ. Two, keeping proper perspective of hell being real gives us boldness to share the gospel good news when we normally would be too afraid to. What is the good news? The good news is that through the ultimate sacrifice with the death, burial and Resurrection of Yeshua Machiach/Jesus Christ there is a way out of hell~! Through faith in Him as our Lord and Saviour there is hope! Now when we have proper perspective we will care less about how a person views us, because we understand it is way more important to share truth that pertains to ones eternal destination.Three, keeping proper perspective of hell being real, helps us in our walk to make sure we are obedient in all things cause we do have fear and respect for the Lord. Talking to believers Yeshua says:
Mat 10:27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
Mat 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
With love, sacrifice, and courage let us be uncomfortable for the Lord!!!!
**Ref link in Comments
0 | Sep 17th 2014 00:12
Heavenbound5511 My reference link Purvigiggle In Christ www.facebook.com/purvigiggle.inchrist?fref=nf (Check it out, they are some beautiful people in Christ)
0