Comfortable?

I fell once again to the temptation of Comfort. I placed it higher than the will of God for my life. Instead of trusting Him for strength to overcome, I resorted on my own strength and devices. Instead of walking in His direction, I ran straight into the arms of instant gratification. Immediately aware of what I did, I threw a casual, half-hearted apology over my shoulder and went on my way with no real relief in any aspect of my life. Instead of bringing any comfort, I brought a sense of shame and separation...and I felt it profoundly.

The next morning, I woke up an hour earlier than I needed to. This happens almost every day, and every day my first thought is to get up and spend time with God. I normally talk myself into thinking that lying in bed, talking to Him wrapped in comfort, is good enough. Not this day. In fact, His words started with, "Humble yourself."

I'm embarrassed to say...I actually considered pretending to be asleep to revel a few more minutes in that luscious morning comfort. "Humble yourself before a Holy God!" I'm not sure how, but I found myself still resisting His nudges. It was silent for about 30 seconds....ahhhh.....and then I heard His voice once more.

"Comfortable?  You have longed to hear My voice. You have asked Me to continue to speak to you. I have something to say. Get up."

I don't think I've ever gotten out of bed faster.

What followed was the longest download of Admonition and Love that I've ever been given. In a nutshell, even when I know He has given me the strength to overcome ALL my battles, I tend to fall back upon my own strength in times of discomfort. This willful disobedience, this lack of faith, is keeping me from a deeper connection to the One who loves me more than I can ever imagine or believe. In fact, only through continually humbling myself and obeying His words will I reach the destiny He has called me to.

My dream is for His power and love to shine through me, pointing others to Him. The riches entrusted to me today are His words. I am so thankful for His gifts and pray that I will steward them well.

He has shaken me out of my comfort zone. He knows I prefer to hold on to these treasures as sacred and private. He lovingly reminds me that it's not all about me. "My words are meant to go through you, not just to you. If it reaches one life, isn't it worth it?"