Uncomfortable is a position for growth. Uncomfortable is a place where your life takes on transformation in a painstaking way. There is a high risk in moving into that which is uncomfortable, but there is high reward in the transformation that happens in that poignant, heartrending place. If you choose to be uncomfortable, you choose to place yourself in a vulnerable position that changes the very core of your being. If there has ever been any static concern in the life of Christ church it is because we seek our own rest in the lethargic location of comfort that changes with each generation. Let’s come back to the transforming message of Jesus Christ that takes that which is dead and brings life, that which is unwise and confounds the wise, those that are weak to upend the strong and that which seems insignificant and gives them Divine identity! That place, it’s not easy, not fun, and not traveled by many because it’s UNcomfortABLE…Welcome to the Book of James
Ok, so this was my first time to preach through the book of James completely and I can attest to my introduction that God has been working in us powerfully. Let me review a short snippet of the sermon from Sunday and talk about it in a little more detail, and then I’ll show you the sucker punch that has really made me think!
James 4:15 “…If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” A Proper view of the person that is driving the perspective behind our plans comes down to infinite or finite. Here’s a quick, get down on my level, definition of those terms. Infinite = unlimited/finite = limited. What happens when we submit to a proper view of the person of God and not only include Him in our plans, but live out His plans in our plan? You get unlimited resources, power, potential, and productivity. You get abundant joy, life, pleasure, and fulfillment. You find rest, comfort, hope, and expectations that transcend your finite capabilities. WHAT? Who is gonna pass that up? Unfortunately the answer is many. Many will rest on finite man to drive through life with limited perspective leaning heavily on the restricted and fixed abilities of people. The end results are plans that have boundaries and fault lines due to the small god that we place on the throne who has no business being exalted to that position. That god is man! However, a right view of God leads us to follow Jesus. Why? Because following the one who has lead out and does not bail out when real life happens reveals a transcending peace that can only be disclaimed “of God”.
So, when all is stripped away, Jesus really is everything I have ever wanted and needed. When all seems to be caving in around me, God positioned Himself as THE ONE who will not share the eternal throne with anyone and you will not be satisfied to lean on any but Him. He knows it all, and can handle whatever comes your way. Will you lean in on Him when you’re making plans in life? I will!