"Un"Comfort Zone

God Comforts us - then calls us to do the uncomfortable!

Check off the bucket lists. Dream uncomfortable dreams. 

Because life is short! In fact, it's a vapor!

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit," Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin. - James 4:13-17 (NASB)

More on Purposeful Living & Eternal Perspective

We all have bucket lists. You know, things we hope to do in life before we "kick the bucket!"

If I have learned anything in recent years, it is that we can make ALL the plans and set our own course and attempt to check off bucket list items, but God...

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) 

Sometimes He humbles us. Sometimes He doesn't send us because we may not be ready or it simply is not His plan for us. Sometimes He is protecting us. Our job is to trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6), give thanks in ALL circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and learn to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves Philippians 4:11-13). 

What's on your bucket list?

Sometimes our purpose isn't glamorous. We should not define our success by the world's standards. I have fallen into that trap more than once. 

Neither are all of us purposed to have a big platform in ministry. In fact, Jesus is our most humble example of how to live with kingdom purpose in mind. (Philippians 2:5-11) He took time to help people - He fed them, He healed them, He prayed for them and loved them well. He took time for authentic relationships. He took time to teach and explain God's Word - after all, He was the Word that became flesh.

It is so important to prioritize time with our Heavenly Father, both by reading His Word daily and spending time in prayer. Much too often, I do one or the other, but both are necessary. Recently, it hit me that if Jesus spent time in a quiet place in prayer each morning, alone with His Father, preparing for day, while He was living here on earth, how much more do we need to do so?

We are all called to do this one thing. Where we go from there and how He chooses to use each of us for His purpose and His glory is up to Him. Sometimes He calls us to do uncomfortable things or even things that seem really scary. But if we have met with Him and sincerely believe it is His Will, He WILL give us the strength and the resources to do it! So allow yourself to dream if it aligns with His Word and His plan.

It brings me great joy to write something that encourages others. I'm always honored to share how God has answered many prayers and worked ALL things for good in my own life. (Romans 8:28) 

The God of All Comfort comforted (and still comforts) me in my troubles and it is my privilege if He allows me to comfort others with the same comfort I received from Him. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Reach out if I can pray for you or help in any way. christy@christylong.org