Befriending Discomfort
As summer draws to a close, routines get shifted, new supplies are bought, schedules are amended, and a new school year is knocking on the door. Change can be hard and it can be uncomfortable. But just because something is uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s bad, and just because something is easy doesn’t mean it’s good. The Israelites learned this lesson immediately after being delivered from Egypt.
In Exodus 13:17-18, we learn that when God led His people out of the wilderness, He did not take the fastest route to guide them to the Promised Land. Why? Because it would have involved passing by the Philistines, an army that He knew would intimidate them and cause them to want to run back Egypt. A trip that could have taken roughly 10 days if it had been led by human logic instead became much longer, but it was led by divine love.
The Lord knew His people were not ready to face the Philistines. He knew their fears and He knew their weakness, even if they didn’t. He did not hand them a trial they were not ready to face nor a trial they were not capable of overcoming by His strength. As they followed the pillar of fire by night and pillar of cloud by day - God’s physical representation of His presence and His guidance - I’m sure they questioned the route they were taking. It was long, it was strenuous, it was uncomfortable.
Yet God used this route to lead them to the Red Sea, which resulted in His power over creation being on full display, His glory being spread throughout the land, and His people trusting Him and fearing Him more (Ex. 14:27-30). Discomfort and more spiritual steps than we think are necessary are often the avenues God uses to reveal His power and strengthen our faith in Him.
When the uncomfortable moments come this school year, and they will, remember that God gives you trials that are proportionate with the strength He will give you. Instead of avoiding the discomfort or rushing through it to make it end, lean into it. Ask the Lord to show what He is showing you through this discomfort, and how He wants to grow you because of the discomfort. If things take a detour from what you planned or thought would be best for your year, remember that the same God of love who sovereignly took His people on a divine detour back in Exodus is the same God who is sovereign over your school year (Prov. 16:9). He is over both the steps and the stops you will encounter.
The Israelites had a lot more lessons to learn on trusting God through the discomforts of life. God continued to give them more lessons throughout Exodus and Numbers. And despite their complaining and shortsightedness, He remained faithful to them and used it all for His glory and their good. No matter what situations you find yourself in this year, remember that God will continue to give you what you need to walk through the discomforts that you face, and He will continue to lead you with His love and grace. Discomfort is not an enemy to avoid, but rather an instrument in the all-powerful hands of your all-knowing God.
Upcoming Event:
Standing up your faith can be uncomfortable, but we can be equipped when the moment comes! Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 6:30 P.M. at Veritas Christian Academy to learn from Christian apologist Greg Koukl. Gain tools and grow in your defense of the Gospel you preach as you walk through this new school year. We hope to see you there.
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