During my walk, God challenged me to think about the idea that it is during uncomfortable seasons in our lives that we grow into people that are willing to take risks, to step outside the box of American life, and live the lives God imagines for us. Now, this does not mean that by being uncomfortable we will be rewarded. Actually, there may never be a reward in this life for being uncomfortable. People may try to sell you on rewards, even Christian people. "If you move to a dangerous country and share the gospel, you will be rewarded." No, you will just be rewarded with praise in this life. But, when you truly make yourself vulnerable to God and his plans for your life, then you will know what it is like to follow the life of Jesus. And, my friends, we all know how that turned out. He was crucified. So, when I think uncomfortable, it means for the long haul without earthly rewards.
In the Bible, we see reflections of this idea. Paul is never concerned with his safety or comfort. He is never thinking about when he will get his next meal. His heart is steadfast on sharing who Jesus is with as many people as he can. Usher in the New Testament of the Bible. We could look at his life and sadly think, if I do great things for God, then will I be rewarded and have books written by me and about me and my love for God. But, we are deceived in thinking that is the main point of our lives a Christians. Even if we do not do a single thing worthy of human praise, God knows the state of our hearts. He knows when we choose to live in a smaller house to donate more, he knows when we refused to work a second job so we can spend time teaching our children, he knows our hearts. He knows when we push the envelop of comfort. We can talk a big game about what we do for Jesus but he really knows.
Today, my heart was moved for a young boy in a wheelchair. He was using sensory inputs to comfort himself and I wanted to just lay my hands on him and make him better. But, I didn't. Not because I was afraid. But, because it would have been uncomfortable. I acknowledged this to God. He didn't respond by condemning me, making me feel like I did it again, didn't put others before myself. No, in that moment of confession to God, I sensed encouragement from him. He spoke to me saying, "You had compassion, you are beginning to get it." You see, we live with God in a process of growth. No matter what other Christians tell you, there is no Christian that gets first prize. If they live in a Muslim country, sell all their possessions, see a hundred people saved in an afternoon, they are not rewarded. Don't be deceived by their talk. God cares about what is going on in your heart and loves to change it even delights in it.
My friends, the reward in life is being close to God. You cannot do amazing things without God. And, if you wake up thinking you want to do amazing things for God, you are sadly misinformed. God cares about your development as a person in love with him. Good things will flow out of you for which you can either choose to focus on worldly or heavenly reward. There are no gold star stickers with God. The person that prays for the boy in the wheelchair is no better than the person that wants to reach out to him. There is a process going on in each person. And, who are we to judge that process!
I encourage you to find out where you are with God. Are you content in your life? Are you thinking you are better than another Christian? Are you seeking praises from men and acknowledgement of your talents and skills? Think about where your heart is at. Ask to be made uncomfortable. There is so much joy when we admit we need God. There is peace when we realize our own efforts cannot reap rewards. And, for all of you seeking a reward...even one in heaven... I would flip to Philippians 2 and be reminded of Jesus' obedience on the cross. Never once was his mind focus on rewards.
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