Be Comfortable, Being Uncomfortable

I remember climbing into my mosquito-net-covered-bed while in Haiti and lying down to sleep just sweltering in the 85 degree heat even at 10:00 pm.  It was June, we had no electricity, and my only relief from the heat was a little battery operated six inch fan positioned to blow a little relief over my torso and face.  In that moment, I remembered a phrase I had heard or read but no longer remembered the source; it was something like, “Be comfortable, being uncomfortable”.   So in my mind, I surrendered to the state of contentment; being comfortable with my uncomfortable situation and went to sleep in my sweat.

As I recall this little moment and have this conversation with you, please don’t feel sorry for me.  I hate the thought of anyone having pity for me; it almost prevents me from bringing up this topic.  So I pray this discussion will help you.  My fore-mentioned uncomfortable sleeping arrangement was short lived as I was home in a week in my thermostat controlled house while my Haitian brother and his family were still in the heat.  Some of my physical issues as I get older are child’s play compared to the infirmities that plaque some of my friends.  So don’t feel sorry for me!

There was a conversation I had with my daughter when she asked me about a back issue I had some years ago.  I replied to her that I felt something every day whether it was a dull ache, a twinge of pain, or numbness; and I had become comfortable being uncomfortable.  She looked at me with that daughter-look and said with concern, “Oh, Daddy!”  I told her not to worry about it.  It (the discomfort) was there but I had learned to ignore it for the most part.  I know there are many who have suffered worse for a longer time.  I have not ceased to ask God to heal me but only after I have prayed for the healing of my friends and family members.

There are many people much braver and tougher than me, who have endured loneliness, years of pain, unhappy situations, poverty, imprisonment, and drudgery in the course of their lives.  Only God knows the suffering that has lingered on this planet for millenniums.  These brave souls have somehow in their minds and souls mustered up the courage and the tenacity to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

I am not sure where you are in life but perhaps this message crosses your path in the midst of your trial or suffering.  God knows your trouble and He is with you.  These difficulties have come about because of the fallen nature of this world in which we live.  Jesus came into the darkness of this world to bring the light and life of His Kingdom into this mess.  In the midst of your darkness, His light will shine.  In your frailties, you will feel His strength.  In your pain, you will receive His healing.

The Apostle Paul had a thorn in His flesh (no one knows what it was) but he asked God three times for its removal but it remained.  The answer he received from God was, “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV).

So pray for deliverance, healing, or a change in your situation but until your prayer is answered, get comfortable with being uncomfortable.  His grace is sufficient for your suffering.  His strength shows up the strongest in the midst of your greatest weakness.  Jesus declared this in John 16:33 (NKJV), “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt