How to Act in Seasons of Discomfort
There are times in life when everything feels uncomfortable. What does a season of discomfort look like?
· A hope or long-held prayer suddenly turns toward a negative outcome.
· Someone you loved or trusted leaves or betrays you.
· You realize that what you want has changed and you no longer enjoy where you are.
· God is shifting you from one place to another and it’s hard to let go of the past.
In these seasons we need to be aware of how we act. If we’re not careful, we may say and do things we’ll later regret. There’s a story in 2 Kings 5 that reflects a season of discomfort for a young girl who was kidnapped from her home in Israel and made to serve the home of an enemy warrior. Even in her discomfort she offers him hope for healing the dreaded leprosy that would soon destroy his life.
Discomfort Key #1: When you’re in a season of discomfort, BE CONFIDENT. Remember who the Lord is and what He does.
Instead of focusing on her bad situation, she offers hope to her captors. She explains that a prophet in her homeland can heal him. So in faith, the warrior Naaman explains the situation to the King, who then writes a letter to the King of Israel on his behalf.
Discomfort Key #2: When you’re in a season of discomfort, BE READY. Even if we’re in a season we don’t love, we can still be ready and alert, so our faith carries impact.
The prophet Elisha hears about the situation and instructs Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times and he’d be healed. Naaman’s pride flared as he noticed that not only was the Jordan River small compared to the great rivers in Egypt, but the prophet sent a messenger to tell him and didn’t even come out Himself!
Discomfort Key #3: When you’re in a season of discomfort, BELOW!
Humility goes a long way, and after Naaman raged for a while, his servants convinced him that he should try. On the seventh dip he was healed!
Gutsy Challenge: Try something uncomfortable in a season of discomfort. You’ll love the spiritual rewards.
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