Uncomfortable Work

“So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.” (1 Peter 4:19 MSG)

We had a weekly Bible study in our neighborhood for more than ten years. Then it dissolved, mainly due to some of the members having health issues. I was in charge of organizing the weekly study. When it was thriving, I felt like it was God’s will. However, in the last few years, I sensed that interest had waned as everyone’s schedules got fuller. I didn’t want to be pushy, so I stopped calling people weekly to set it up. I figured that if it was God’s will, He would make it happen.

“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.” (1 Peter 4:12 MSG)

Many of us imagine that if we are doing God’s will, everything will go smoothly. In fact, we use this as a measure of how aligned we are with God’s purpose. Sometimes God calls us to do uncomfortable work--challenges that strain our resources, stretch our abilities, and test our resolve. Most likely, we will be less popular than we were when we followed the ways of the world. Accept the discomfort. Some pain is to be expected as we detach from getting our own way to doing things God’s way.