Had a great conversation last night with a great friend about the level of comfort one should have while serving. Although we both agreed that "comfortable" might not be the best word, the discussion led to some hard but honest points.
I've always felt that if I am experiencing discomfort in my ministry, then I am challenging my comfort zone and stretching towards the harder to reach corners of God's ministry in my life. You've heard me write that God doesn't call us to do easy (comfortable) things, but things that are hard (= discomfort).
The other point I had was that when I start getting comfortable, I start taking control. It becomes Lauren Wojcik's ministry and not God's. I am a firm believer in leaps of faith and going to the limb when it comes to my walk.
Although these are all valid points, my friend put a spin on my comfort vs. discomfort theory that I hadn't yet thought about.
My thoughts were challenged. If the strong will of Christ has you serving where you are, then shouldn't you be comforted knowing you are doing Christ work? Well, yes.
If you are serving in hard ways, shouldn't you still be comforted knowing that Christ brought you to that work specifically?
No matter what limits are being stretched, the comfort of Christ should still be there.
But maybe this is a contentment issue. Contentment in ministry and serving has to be there, or you will burn out...but contentment is also dangerous...right?
the wheels are turning. thanks telephone friend.
- I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:11-13 (The Message)
- I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)
- Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (New Living Translation)
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