One of the most profound stories in the gospels is the
account of where John the Baptist (BTW not really a Baptist but don’t tell
them) was confronted with his disciples going over to follow Jesus. He understood something that I am still
growing to fully understand. God’s
increase is predicated upon my decrease: The Comfort of Discomfort.
It doesn't make much sense that we could gain any comfort
from being discomforted, but that tends to be what the Kingdom and our
relationship with God is all about. And
no I’m not suggesting that I must somehow pay penance so as to be blessed or so
God can be exalted. That is not the
case, but I am suggesting that God will not share His glory with anyone or
anything. So as a result, in my soul I
hear the Spirit of God reminding me that my true comfort will be found as I am
discomforted; only and all for His sake and not my own.
I admit that it seems very counterproductive and counter
intuitive to place discomfort before comfort, but as we observe life we find
this principle in place, and rarely if ever do we argue with its premise. A good example is health and fitness: no pain
no gain?
But why is it that I struggle with this principle when it
comes to my soul life? Is it that my
soul is so enamored with self-seeking comfort and satisfaction that I fail to
understand the “no pain no gain” principle?
Likely it is.
My hope is that a day will come when I finally and fully understand
with great peace and contentment the power and freedom found in this principle
set forth by Christ’s own life – The Comfort of Discomfort. As Jesus moved closer and closer to His
primary purpose for coming to this earth, He gained great joy and comfort as He
ran headlong into His very own discomfort - death.
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross that He might declare it
is finished and find the true comfort of the Father.
The Comfort of Discomfort – an elusive doctrine indeed, but
an essential one nonetheless if I am to ever live in the fullness of His
perfect and comforting will.
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