Uncomfortable

[0:00] A Pastor's Reflections, Uncomfortable. Genesis 26, verses 26 and 30. Then Abimelech went to him, Isaac, from Gerar, and Ahuza one of his friends, and Phicol the chief captain of his army.

[0:15] And he, Isaac, made them a feast, and they did eat and drink. Romans 8, 18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

[0:30] 2 Timothy 2, 10. Therefore, I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

[0:43] Just when Isaac thought that his life was finally coming into a season of normalcy and calm, who comes knocking on his door but an old acquaintance with whom he had last parted with on not the best of terms?

[0:56] The temptation was probably there to just shut the tent flap in Abimelech's face and tell him to go away. But God had other plans in mind. God would use this awkward meeting with Abimelech to establish a permanent peace for Isaac as he dwelt in the land of Canaan, and to also affirm that God's presence was truly with Isaac.

[1:17] For these men of the world, they would declare that they too could see the evidence of God's presence and blessing upon Abraham's son of promise. What was most definitely an uncomfortable situation for Isaac turned into a really big blessing and an opportunity for God's grace.

[1:37] Isaac was able to prove to himself and to Abimelech that God was at work in his heart. Isaac was able to part in peace with a man who had come to represent nothing but strife in Isaac's life.

[1:47] For Isaac, this uncomfortable situation did not become any more comfortable in the moment, but afterward, it produced a peace and a blessing.

[2:00] Hebrews 12, 11 Now no discipline, uncomfortable situation, for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous. Nevertheless, afterward, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

[2:15] You see, God places you and I in situations and circumstances that we would never choose for ourselves. I want still waters, and God commands me into a storm.

[2:26] Matthew 14, 22-24 I want dinner in the comfort of my own home, and the Lord decides to make me a meal in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23, 5 I want to walk peaceably into heaven, but God knows that the best prep course for heaven is one of rough roads and hard climbs.

[2:48] Acts 14, 22 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience, but let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

[3:01] James 1, 3-4 Being uncomfortable has an amazing way of keeping us alert, sharp, and focused on our Heavenly Father. It is in those times that we are keenly aware of our need for His help and His intervention.

[3:17] No, God's desire is not that we should be uncomfortable all the time, but it is His desire to make us whole. And if discomfort is one of the means He uses, then let us raise our hands in worship, that we have a God who cares enough for us, that He allows us to be uncomfortable for our good and for His glory.

[3:36] Father, we do worship You, and we thank You that You have taken such care of us, that You will not withhold the hard things, when You know they will produce the most good.

[3:48] Help us not to run from discomfort, but to embrace it as an opportunity for Your grace. Amen. Amen. Amen.