Underwood Unplugged

I believe that God wants us to bring our physical needs and desires to Him in prayer. But He never promised to make life easy. In fact, if anything, Jesus promised that life on earth would be very difficult. Consider just these two verses:

John 16:33 - "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!"

2 Timothy 3:12 - "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Seems like there's a higher priority to God than my personal comfort. Something is more important than my safety, my sense of security, or my self-preservation.

Yet it's easy to live as a "Christian" who retreats from danger, protects myself, and convinces my soul that God wouldn't want me to confront, risk, advance, or sacrifice in a way that sets me back. I don't want to offend or hurt anyone else either, "for heaven's sake!"

As I read Colossians, I am confronted with the "prison-bound" heart of the Apostle Paul. Stuck behind bars in Rome, Paul could care less about his own situation. Instead, the man struggles in prayer for Christ-followers around the globe. With great energy, he writes letters, talks with church leaders, prays until exhaustion, and gives every ounce of his body and soul toward advancing the gospel.

In another letter, Paul writes, "I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked." (2 Corinthians 11:26-27).

How many American's would have given up their faith BEFORE facing any of those obstacles? How many times have I done the same?

Following Christ is not the route to safety, comfort, and happiness during your life on earth. The voice inside calling you to play it safe? It's probably not God.

God calls each one of us to something greater. Something eternal. Something and Someone worth fighting for, suffering for, and risking everything for.