Here is a lesson I'm learning. When you are spiritually immature, you find the greatest peace when you're in comfortable circumstances. But as you grow spiritually, comfort makes you uncomfortable. I'm honestly not trying to "spin" the situation we're in looking for a replacement for Union Station. But I can honestly say that I have a peace that passes understanding. After a little grieving, I'm strangely energized by our predicament. Here's the bottom line: we ought to be most peaceful in circumstances that require divine intervention. Why? Because all the pressure is off of us. There is nothing we can do about it.
Are you at peace? Is it because you are comfortable? Or is it because you're in a situation that requires a miracle? All of us want a miracle, but most of us don't want to be in situations that necessitate one! I think spiritual maturity manifests itself as peace in impossible circumstances because of an unconditional and uncircumstantial trust in God.
Are you at peace? Is it because you are comfortable? Or is it because you're in a situation that requires a miracle? All of us want a miracle, but most of us don't want to be in situations that necessitate one! I think spiritual maturity manifests itself as peace in impossible circumstances because of an unconditional and uncircumstantial trust in God.
11 Comments:
Crazy. This was my prayer all day this past Sunday. I was asking God to make me uncomfortable, but to also give me peace through it.
This week our church plant met in an unusual venue with some challenges we've never faced before, yet God calmed us and he led us through the smoothest Sunday morning we've experienced yet.
This post really spoke to me since it is a lesson I am learning, too. I thought I was at "peace" when I had things under control, but I didn't know peace until I had an important situation that was entirely out of my hands and all in God's. Only when I finally relinquished it to God did I know true peace.
Thanks for posting this!
I don't see where scripture teaches that being comfortable is for the spiritually immature?
I can't deny or affirm what you are experiencing and that's the problem. The beauty of our orthodox Christian faith is that all doctrine and truth can be found in Holy Scripture and not inside of us or our experience. We're not Mormons with a "burning in the bosom". We have the clear and unchanging Holy Word of God for all spiritual truth. So again I ask, where in Scripture does it teach that being comfortable is for the spiritually immature?
Randy Randy Randy :)
There is a difference between unbiblical and abiblical. I'm simply sharing what God is teaching me experientially. I think it's in line with biblical principles but I'm not claiming that it is "on par" with Scripture.
If we were honest I think we'd admit that a lot of our prayers have personal comfort as their objective not the glory of God.
My job as a pastor is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Mark
Mark, I couldn't agree more...the times of the most incredible growth come when we are seriously challenged to the point that we have to rely on GOD alone for guidance...love it!
Thanks for this one Mark. I needed to hear that today.
Amen, Mark, thank you! Super timely for me today... which also reminds us that when you are willing to be uncomfortable, it not only blesses you, but those that are watching you do life!
So good! This is something I'm experiencing personally too! :)
I, along with you, want to know Christ and the power of His ressurection and the fellowship of His sufferings. Both Biblical and experiential.
Blesings to you Mark and NCC,
Paul
1 "s" and 2 "r"s :)
this is something I absolutely needed to hear...
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