Uncomfortable

A storm was gathering – as is often the case on a humid south Florida afternoon. I went outside to listen as the thunder gathered – my mood was similar. I was in a waiting time, for a phone call, knowing it wouldn’t be right away.

My head was down, contemplating and letting my thoughts swirl. Then I sighed and looked up – and in the midst of mounting black clouds and departing white clouds was an opening – to the heavens beyond. And I was reminded, once again, of a mighty and awesome God.

God who forms the clouds and directs the storms and moves the winds. Creator who formed me, shows me the way, and lifts my head to the heavens. “Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8 ESV)

It takes years (at least for me) of walking with Jesus and seeing His faithfulness, to finally let go of keeping time. I want things in my time, on my schedule – so I can move on. To what’s next? Why do we always want what’s next when now is uncomfortable?

I’m learning (slowly) that there is much in the uncomfortable to learn from, to grow in, to be useful because of. “Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that He will lift you up in His own good time.” (1Peter 5:6 GNT)

Sometimes I smile to think that we feel we’re the only ones who go through the things we experience. Yet man, from the beginning, has endured much strife – and much joy. Each life is marked by both.

There is His promise, and His Holy Spirit in us reminds our hearts, that though this life will have its highs and lows – a someday is coming. A someday when we lift our heads, it won’t be to see storm clouds or sunshine, it will be to see the Savior of our soul.

All the sighs are so that our faith grows and reminds us: “Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 CEV) We will always be uncomfortable here; we must keep our faith eyes on the promise of what is yet to come.