Do I really want this?

“What if God does show up but then he asks you to go somewhere or do something that’s uncomfortable?”

Francis Chan- Forgotten God

When we submit our lives to God, to be “subjects of His will”, are we really ready for all that he has planned for us?

As followers of Christ, in a society that may not always share our beliefs, we are going to be called to situations that are uncomfortable. God may call us to minister to an area or people group where the quality of life is not nearly as comfortable as that which we’re used to. Am I fully aware of the discomfort that I may be subject to, or do I just want the feel good sensation of “grace”? Am I prepared to trust that what God has planned for me is so much better than what I may believe to be comfortable or safe? Am I Ready?

It seems like such an easy question, one that I feel I would readily respond, “Yes, of course!” But in my own reflections, I believe anyone would struggle with this question and what it might mean. We worry about little things all the time, like what to wear or what to say… why wouldn’t we worry about what God may ask us to do or stop doing, or where He could ask us to go. While the Church does, and should, preach all the great messages of salvation and grace, I feel I have not been challenged to pursue other important subjects. Subjects that may result in a little “discomfort” at times… like trust, faith, evangelism, and patience… to name a few.

When it comes down to it, I do not feel that I have fully surrendered my life to allow the Holy Spirit to remove the fear in my life, but I believe I am in the process. While I wish for the Spirit of God to work in and through me, and I believe fully that He does, I still struggle with thoughts of what others believe… both Christ followers and those who aren’t. I struggle with the thought of rejection of some of my closest friends when I share my beliefs. I struggle with the thought that I may be called to give up everything. Even though right now it is easy to say, “Here I am Lord, send me…” I hope that I will be ready when the Lord asks me.

I say “when”, instead of “if”, because I believe all of us will be called to something much greater, and more “uncomfortable” than we know. Please do not think that the Lord will call all of us to give up everything, but he will call us to a life that goes against what much of society believes, and even what many churches may consider right and acceptable. The greatest thing about this calling in our life is that God has also promised us something amazing, the Spirit of Truth (the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, God in us). Pursuing this promise has proven to be one of the greatest benefits to my relationship with God, and has also removed a lot of fears I have over God’s calling in my life… My fear has turned into excitement in many cases, with the anticipation of growing so much closer to Him.

So I will ask again, do I really desire God to show up when I ask Him? Absolutely, and I hope He shows up for you as well. It is my prayer that the Spirit is so alive in my life (and yours) that what seems uncomfortable now, would not be uncomfortable at all, but exciting and adventurous.