Comfortable

How many of you guys have ever slept on a sleep number bed? You lay on it and can make the bed as soft or hard as your hearts desires. Or even those foam beds, where the girls jump on the bed with a glass of wine right next to them. Well I have once, it was a glorious experience a major step up from my thin mattress here in Lima. I would say it was a pretty comfortable experience to say the least, nor would I mind doing it again. Think about it though, in South Africa and Spain, not the best beds, in Mozambique we had grass mats or bunk beds with 3 inch mattresses, but with every country I go to I always look forward to getting back in my still not the greatest bed in the states... it is comfortable.

com·fort (kmfrt)

tr.v. com·fort·ed, com·fort·ing, com·forts

1. To soothe in time of affliction or distress.

2. To ease physically; relieve.

n.

1. A condition or feeling of pleasurable ease, well-being, and contentment.

Now this might push a good amount of peoples buttons, but compared to most of the world the states has a very comfortable lifestyle. You are freely allowed to pursue any religion, to wake up and do for the most part what ever you please-- we are raised from a young age to pursue this thing called an 'american dream'. Sadly I have seen that a lot of times that american dream/comfortability follows us into our relationship with God. The "Western" church often preaches on how God is love, grace and mercy, He wants to give you the desires of your heart, He wants you to heal the whole world, and take it for Him. Which, to an extent of that is true... but when did a relationship with God become about us? I so often seen amazing scriptures twisted to make us feel as good about us as possible. And though God is a God of grace, He is also just, and jealous for us.

So here is what I think, which disclaimer I in no way am trying to belittle or rip any one apart, I am just merely expressing what I feel the Lord has told me, if you have a different opinion or questions feel free to email me (naomijunefowler@gmail.com). In the States we are taught to look out for us, to make sure we are doing what we want to do, and always staying comfortable. Even with relationships-- we teach kids to start dating what at 12 or 13 until they no longer are interested in that person, or no longer want to work out problems. As my Dad calls it "divorce training" you teach them stay in a relationship until you are uncomfortable and find someone who makes you comfortable, and the process continues in a nasty cycle, which then creates a pattern.

So do we do the same thing with God is my question for you? We for the most part ignore Him until we are uncomfortable, then we run into His arms wanting to be comforted. We want His plans for our life, but with our terms, our schedule, with sprinkles and a cherry on top. If that is honestly how you view God maybe you should not be a Christ-follower. Giving your life to God is not easy, but a lot of times we assume it is why? Because a lot of times we don't always surrender our lives to God, we say alright... lets make a deal big guy, I will give you how much I tithe a month and Sunday and Wednesday nights, but I will not move here here or here, nor will I have this job, nor will I talk to strangers ever. God is not a magic 8 ball that we can shake when ever we want to feel good-- but I feel a lot of the times we are taught to view Him that way. God is looking for a bride, not a damsel in distress.

Alight, well now that I am sure I have ten of fifteen people who might never read my blog again here are so scriptures that you should look at and actually consider what that means or looks like.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Mathew 7:21

Then Jesus called the people to him. His followers were also there. Then Jesus said, "If any person wants to follow me, he must say 'No' to the things he wants. That person must accept the cross (suffering) that is given to him, and he must follow me. (ERV Mt. 8:34

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:8-9

“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’” (Luke 9:23).

If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:12

Alright, so that is just a few, there are many more. Now I am in no way trying to sit here saying God is out to get you and test you in every way. But in talks so many time about refining gold, well the way you refine gold is melting it over and over until the impurities come to the surface so they can be removed. God wants all of you, but are you willing to give Him control over EVERYTHING in your life, even that one area that you want control over, your job, where you live, who you marry, how many kids, etc. You know what it is, I know what mine is with out having to think about it. So what holding you back? There is NO fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18.

Step away from the world today, look at where you are holding onto the world and not clinging to Him. Where are the places in your life He desperately wants? Not to make a picture perfect American dream, but to fulfill the destiny God has for you, which I promise you its better than any white house and picket fence, with a husband, three kids and a dog. And it will be hard, there are days where I wake up and I don't want to be a missionary, I don't want to smile, I don't want to hear peoples problems, but when I get over myself and focus on the one it is all about there is joy.

So that is all for today, I know that might have been a lot to take in. Its a lot to take in for me as well, its a reality check that I know I needed. Let me know if you have any questions.

Loving through His love,

-Naomi-June