Are we living in the “comfort” of our life?

I don’t know about you, but the times in my life when I got most comfortable, physically, relationally, financially, even spiritually, are also the times when I got hit with a whirlwind of troubles that left me drained, empty and wondering where I had gone wrong. What did I miss? How did I “fail”?

I know many people will disagree with me as we live in a culture that applauds comfort, convenience, and live in a fast-paced rhythm that only leaves us more overwhelmed and seeking for more, cause let’s face it, it will never be enough. Perhaps because we are looking for water in the wrong fountain?

I know that was me before I met Jesus. I would get comfortable in my marriage, at my job, with my kids, and then I would try to find answers or comfort in worldly things like  spending, shopping, alcohol, health, image, acceptance from others, and always striving for more. At times I found more but guess what? It was never enough. If anything it left me more empty and broken than I had ever been. I thought I was successful when I had access to all the shiny things but that quickly changed. It changed when I was faced with loss, grief, and hit with life-changing events. I lost my dad, I lost my identity, I almost lost my marriage, my kids, and most importantly I almost allowed the enemy to win me over in believing that I was condemned into hell because of the things that I had done. I never thought I could be forgiven. Certainly not by God, not by my husband or by myself. Now I know these were a bunch of lies I believed for many years until God healed me. But here’s the thing. He healed me out of that whirlwind; that storm; those unforeseen events that I never thought I would face but I needed to face that “discomfort”. To face my truth. To press me, heal me, and make me new.

So today I encourage you to think,

• In what areas of your life are you feeling comfortable?

• Where do you need God to stretch

• Where do you need to allow God to challenge you?

• Have you been avoiding him in fear of the discomfort?

• Have you been staying away because “it’s too much to handle”?

Perhaps deep down you know what you have to do but you’re afraid to face it because of all of the unknowns.

Friend. I get it. I’ve been there.

That’s the discomfort most of us avoid because we don’t like conflict but in reality we are increasing conflict - within ourselves, our loved ones, or even God.

Avoidance is not gonna solve anything it’s just gonna fester + increase problems and guess what?

That’s exactly where the enemy wants you to be. In his comfortable corner where he’s got you. Years will go by and you’ll continue believing the lie that “everything is ok”. Using those filters you’re so good at because it makes you feel good? Or continue to have shallow conversations because who goes deep anymore? Who wants to be known for who they really are these days when there is a whole world of social media that portrays the “picture perfect life” so many desire?? Oh friend, wake up! Have you been sleeping through life the way I was?

Maybe you are successful at work, maybe you have all the toys you worked so hard for, and then what? What comes next?

Friends if we remain in our comfort zone we will never grow and we will never find true peace and freedom.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalms‬ ‭62‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I know it is not easy but stepping into the other side is so worth it. It’s finding freedom in eternal places vs. temporary fixes.

It’s taken me a long time to understand that when I am called out of my comfort is to mold me into someone that can look more like Jesus and less like me. That is to live a life for eternity rather than the short time we have here on earth. All these things will be gone one day but not an eternity with Jesus.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14)

In the pressing is when I am strengthened to do all things not by my power but by his who lives in me. And this is where it gets beautiful: that after being pressed, shaped, and stirred into something new, is when we can actually rest and find an eternal peace, quiet, and freedom of our mind, our flesh; of the bondage that keeps us chained to a striving being, rather than an abiding.

I pray this post stretches you as much as it stretched me and brings you to a place that encourages you to take that step of faith you’ve been waitining for so long.

Peace, ✌🏽 Maria