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Living Uncomfortable

SCRIPTURE  

Nehemiah 4:9
“And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.”

OBSERVATION 

Many people’s goal in life is to just be happy. But the problem is that happiness depends on what is happening to you. If things go right, we celebrate and rejoice; if things go wrong, we become depressed. God does not want you to be happy; He wants you to have joy. Joy is not determined by what happens to you, but it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that comes out of you. Despite our situations, we are able to really LIVE in an uncomfortable situation.

In Nehemiah chapter four, the situation is so uncomfortable that they had to set guards to protect themselves day and night. This wasn’t easy, but they chose to live uncomfortably, because the sacrifice was worth it. God will often times ask us to live sacrificially for a season to see great things happen. Even though life is not as comfortable as it was before, there will come an overwhelming sense of joy from God because you know that He is with you. In the midst of it all, God will work in you and through you like never before. Being a little uncomfortable is sometimes the best way to live.

APPLICATION 

Some of the sacrifices God will ask you to make may make things feel a little less comfortable. Ask God to fill your heart with joy everyday. The Bible tells us that the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Allow God’s joy to strengthen you as you walk through this sacrificial faith journey.

Prayer

Jesus, fill me with joy and fulfillment as I make sacrifices to see souls saved and lives changed. Everything I do I want to do willingly and joyfully. Remind me daily why I am doing what I am doing. I am doing this because I love you, Lord.

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