Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. –Romans 5:3-5
Comfort, it has so often been my goal. I can safely say that I have never looked to be uncomfortable on purpose. Why would I? That seems such a foolish thing to seek.
I was reminded just today that seeking comfort is pretty much the American way. Our own comfort though, is not the Jesus way. If Christ’s comfort had been his aim, you and I wouldn’t have the hope of salvation, for to provide salvation to us, cost our God every comfort imaginable. God emptied heaven of its most valuable asset, offering up the object of his deepest affection, the Son. Jesus too sacrificed all the comforts that were his for eternity before, to live among men. He laid down intimacy with the Trinity, authority without measure, knowledge without boundaries, and so much more so he could take up residence with us, so he could become our Savior. If that’s not enough discomfort then ponder for a bit the discomfort that Jesus suffered as he made his way to the cross.
It’s not asking too much then for him to ask me to rejoice in suffering. Next time I’m tempted to whine about some present difficulty I pray that I will remember these three verses and choose to rejoice instead. God is working in me to let his character shine through me.
Pastor Wes