Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable

Scripture Read: Esther  4:4 Then Esther’s maidens and her eunuchs came and told her, and the queen writhed in great anguish. And she sent garments to clothe Mordecai that he might remove his sackcloth from him, but he did not accept them.  

Application: How committed am I to the things that I consider important? This section of scripture challenges all of us with that question.  Here Esther, out of kindness, tries to put Mordecai in clothes that will be comfortable. But Mordecai is committed to his decision to mourn before the Lord in ash and sackcloth. How many times have we decided to commit to something that will cost us our comfort, only to give in to our flesh before we were through our commitment? Fasting, special prayer schedules, diets, exercise programs, new ministries, the list could go on. Mordecai is a great reminder to us in many ways. 

First, the offer to return to comfort may come from well-intentioned people who just want to see you happy. I know the greatest pressure we have had to leave the foreign field has been from well meaning family that wanted us safe in America and living the good life. They give many good reasons to move to a place of comfort. Like the friend that tries to get you to eat more, exercise less, or don’t over extend yourself in ministry or spiritual disciplines. Most are well meaning and we need to make sure we are balanced, but when we know the Lord has placed a commitment on our heart, we need to remember Mordecai. He did not allow his flesh to win. He was serious about bringing his complaint to the Lord. Second, the scriptures are full of examples on men and women that followed through on decisions that were uncomfortable, that the Lord honored and brought great fruit to them. (James 5:16) Father, strengthen us with Your Spirit to follow through on those things You place in our heart. Yes, we may suffer the feeling of missing something, or physical discomfort, but the fruit of following through will far outweigh the discomfort.

Meditation Questions: How many “new year’s” resolutions have you made that never made it past the first month? What preparation do you go through when you plan to begin a task that will be uncomfortable? How much time do you spend praying before you set out to do it? Why do you endeavor to try hard things? What was the last thing you committed to and followed all the way to completion? Why? Why not? What does that say?