[Moses] asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? …" — Numbers 11:11
If God cares so much about our comfort, why does He take us out of our comfort zone?
I smile as I write this because I think we all know the answer. We don’t grow until we’re stretched. No risk means no reward. Adventure is nine-tenths turmoil, and, only at the end, do we taste the sweet victory. If I never went on my first date, I wouldn’t be happily married with four children that I love. (If I ever work up the courage, maybe I’ll write a devotional about that first date.)
I’ve been pulled out of my comfort zone in so many different ways — my life has been jarred by rape, bankruptcy, homelessness, abuse, business failure and the list goes on. But, you know, looking back, I wouldn’t trade it. I haven’t liked going through these trials, but now more than ever before, I have the prize. I have the comforting closeness of God’s Spirit with me every day.
I used to think that I was really smart, and because I was smart I had something to offer the church. Now I see that what I have to offer is not some gift of intelligence, but rather a far greater gift — the gift of Jesus Who was poured into the broken, hurting places of my life.
I say it every day, but let me say it again: Be encouraged! God is for you. He hasn’t given up on you. He knows what you are going through. And He has something very sweet and special in store for you that will cause you to look back at all your trials and laugh the laugh of victory.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.