Uncomfortable and Inconvenienced

A few weeks ago in staff prayer, we were praying for Three Services. I prayed, “O Lord, we are willing to do the additional work for this new service.  We WANT to be uncomfortable for You.” After I finished that prayer, one of the people on staff said, “I loved your prayer, but I DON’T want to be uncomfortable!” (No, I won’t tell you which staff member it was.) I loved this person’s honesty. I love the wrestling that happens in these moments – when you know what God is asking you to do, but you are struggling to do it.

I don’t like being uncomfortable, but I am learning to lean into God in the uncomfortable moments. When I am stretched, I grow. When I am beyond my skill and comfort levels, it is then that God’s power shines brightest. People ask me if I am concerned about doing Three Services on Sunday morning, and I answer, “Yep. Pray for me…a lot!” But honestly, I was more concerned about becoming a Lead Pastor, or making a church budget for the first time, or moving into a building. I know that Three Services is going to be more work and make me uncomfortable, and tired, and stretched. I truly do want it because, more than anything, I want to be closer to Christ and being uncomfortable drives me to my knees; it helps me press into Him.

We also need to be able to be inconvenienced for the sake of the gospel, for the sake of others. This can be sitting closer to the front or in the middle of the aisle so that new people don’t have to climb over us on Sunday mornings. It could be parking in the most inconvenient spots so that others could have the best spots. This could be showing up early to service so that worship to the Lord is being sung. It could be helping in Kids Ministry so that children can know the love and truth of Jesus. This could be joining the 8:00am Launch Team, opening up seats in the other services. When we are inconvenienced, others are blessed and we are matured.

God is with you, so be ready to be inconvenienced and uncomfortable. It is a powerful way to follow Christ. “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)