Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. 1 Peter 4: 1-2 (MSG)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20-21 (ESV)

Devotion:

I have been in my present job for just over eight months, and other than a few days, I have eaten the same frozen spaghetti meal for lunch. At the first whiff of spaghetti, my coworkers will sing, “It’s spaghetti time; it’s spaghetti time” and some (names withheld to protect the innocent) will even dance a little to the tune. Endearing, precious, and always a good laugh.

True confession, I have eaten essentially the same food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the past twenty years of my life. Some may say boring, but I argue predictable and comfortable. When you eat the same thing, life is easy. I have one grocery list. On Friday evenings, I fill my online grocery cart with my favorites, set my pick up time on Saturday, and boom, done. 

But here is the problem: my habits are comfortable. My comfort becomes the priority. Life revolves around what makes my life easy and predictable. I have become complacent and numb to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. Eating spaghetti everyday gives me the excuse of not going out to eat with friends. Ordering online keeps me from interacting with others while I wait in line or helping somebody get an item out of reach. I do not have to navigate anything uncomfortable. This is not how God calls us to live. This is not why his son walked on earth sharing his words and works. We are called to more than our comfort. 

So in this season, where the resurrection of Jesus is so fresh on our hearts, search for him, lean into the whispers and nudges of the Holy Spirit. Challenge the desire to be comfortable. Stand in the longer line. Hold the door even when you are in a hurry. Invite people over even when inconvenient. Press into places of discomfort. Try a store not in your neighborhood. Volunteer in a place you wouldn’t typically consider. Sit in a different place at church. Notice what previously went unnoticed and overlooked. See the person struggling to have a conversation. See the person who has stopped coming to church. See the child who needs unconditional love. 

Jesus did. Jesus willingly noticed the unnoticed and overlooked. Jesus stepped into places of vulnerability. Jesus walked into situations that rattle comfort. He did it for us, so we can do unto others. He did it for us, so we can be an extension of his unfathomable love. He did it for us, to be with us.

PRAYER

Thank you God for calling us to be uncomfortable. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to be our example of discomfort. How blessed we are to be called to serve you as we walk into situations that make us uncomfortable and spread your love on earth. Thank you for calling us to be a part of all things with the assurance of knowing you are with us. 

Beth DeGrace
Director of Kids Ministry

Beth DeGrace is the Director of Kids Ministry with the Crossings Community Center church service. She loves being a part of the new church service and walking with Crossings staff to show the community what the love of Jesus looks like. 

Resources

• Disability and the Church by Lamar Hardwick
• New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
• Suffering and the Heart of God by Diane Langberg
• Watch Get a Move On by Pastor Bill Search

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