Learn to be Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

Years ago, as a matter of fact it was in the mid-1990′s, I cut my hair into a fierce asymmetrical short bob.  That was a huge step for me.  I’d always maintained at least shoulder length hair.  Long hair was my comfort zone.  Most people liked the “new” look and I was quite satisfied.  However, within a few months I learned that I really preferred long hair because it is easier to maintain.  So I decided to let my hair grow back.

When my hair started to grow back, it got to an “in between” stage.  It wasn’t quite shoulder length again, and it was longer than the nape-lined bob.  I didn’t have a clue what to do with the hair at that stage.  Many suggested cutting it again.  I realized a critical life lesson at that hair-stage:  If I did not go through the ugly phase, the hair would never grow back.  I had a decision to make.  Either endure three to six months of this funny stage, or stay with the short cut.  That was not even a decision in my opinion.  Cute hats and more work to keep the hair curled would have to carry me through the awkward stage.  I had to become comfortable with the uncomfortable; but, only for a season.

Too many times we go through experiences in life and allow our emotions and feelings to dictate what we will and will not do;  what we can and cannot handle;  what is right or wrong.  If a ship is going to sink and we must jump to safety, if we are paralyzed with fear, then  we won’t be able to jump. We won’t be able to even try to save ourselves and live because we are used to living in our comfort zone and anything else-even when it may save our lives-makes us uneasy.

It’s an uncomfortable feeling to tell someone who you love, that we won’t be available for further manipulation.  Be comfortable, being uncomfortable.

It’s uncomfortable to punish our teenagers for breaking the rules, once again.  If children don’t learn that life has real penalties within the safety of their parent’s home, then they will learn it elsewhere, where we may not be able to live with their penalties.  Be comfortable, being uncomfortable.

It’s uncomfortable adjusting to a new exercise routine and weight loss plan.  If our health is at risk, this phase of discomfort is essential to avoid high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases or conditions.  Be comfortable, being uncomfortable.

It’s uncomfortable learning that we have AIDS or HIV and decide that our best resolve is daily medication to which our bodies must adjust.  Be comfortable, being uncomfortable.

Our car may break down at the side of a busy highway on a freezing day while we have five hungry adolescents in the car.  Our attitude and temperance will dictate the children’s feelings of safety while waiting for assistance.  Be comfortable, being uncomfortable.

We don’t want to speak up about a major problem because no one else is and we just don’t like confrontation.  Learn to be comfortable, being uncomfortable.

Most times, the in-between is just that:  only a phase that is necessary to connect us with the other side, or end of a matter.  If Jesus did not grapple His emotions and face the necessary to get the job done, I know where I’d be:  on my way to an eternally damned end. Isaiah said that it pleased the Lord to bruise Him.  Why?  Because God saw the results of what Christ’s necessary suffering would bring to humanity.  God saw you and I with the ability to be in covenant with our Creator because of Christ. So God was quite comfortable with appointing and seeing Christ with the utmost discomfitting situation, so that we would have life.  I imagine Paul was comfortable enough while he was in bounds in prison to keep on producing and giving us the epistles.  His literal discomforts did not bind him to self-pity and inaction.  John was isolated in Patmos and he was comfortable with being discomfited to be able to give us the revelations which speak of eschatology.  He still focused enough to record what had been revealed.

Everything in life isn’t roses or peachy keen.  And, everyone isn’t “strong” like so and so.  Well, here’s the great news:   In our weakest state, God’s strength in us is made perfect.  Learning how to be comfortable means we are going to have to let go of our emotions and trust God so that we can be comfortable until the seas stop raging or we are rescued from the pit.  Some things in life must be confronted, or silently walked away from.  Some things must be endured with its unpleasantries so that we can get to the other side.

Many people ask me how I can enjoy going into countries where the US issues travel warnings and going into the villages and remaining among the people.  I know that the trips are not forever.  For the time that I must be where I am, I am quite comfortable being uncomfortable.  A cold shower is comfortable when weighed against a hot shower without the benefits of reaching the people who do not have heated water in their villages.  Having to look over our shoulders 24 hours a day with security is uncomfortable.  But, I am quite comfortable with whatever is necessary to advance the Kingdom of God.  And here’s the real consideration:  How can I not be comfortable by being with and among people who live as they live, when they have been ordained by God to co-labor in what God has sent us to do?   Even if God were to lengthen the assignments, the grace of God is present to cover me to continue to be comfortable.  I absolutely love connecting with God’s creation and ministry does not demand “my standards” to be comfortable.  Now is a good time to begin to frame your mind to be comfortable, with being uncomfortable.  You can do it, and most significantly, if this is you, you need to so that you will triumph before you get to  the other side.  NOW, get there!

Selah.

Prophetess Kim

Advertisement

---