One word.
Have you heard of it?
It’s when you pray and choose a word that will be yours for the year. A time to live it loud in living color for the Lord.
Back in January, when everyone was making resolutions, we stumbled across this one word approach. The concept is simple- instead of making goals that are often broken, you choose one word that allows focus and a growth mindset.
Sounds simple enough, right?
It is simple, until God gives you the word “UNCOMFORTABLE.”
Seriously, Lord?
That’s the word we settled on after much prayer?
At first, it seemed exciting.
Sure, what’s more uncomfortable than running a half marathon?
…and then a little more daunting, but still thrilling-
“Let’s apply for those visas to India!”
When we chose the word uncomfortable, we were envisioning accomplishing hard tasks, trying new things, and lots of change, and I’ll admit, it excited me…even if I knew it would be a hard road.
But now, three-quarters of the way through the year and the glitter is beginning to wear off and the day to day is beginning to peak through.
Things that got started with excitement have slowed down into a season of waiting. It is here where I am discovering my true discomfort. God wired me to be apostolic- to move into new territories, see the big possibilities, and accomplish new things. But here I am, waiting for others to move with me, tearing down and rebuilding foundations, and making a slow trek through the wilderness, wondering if my compass is even reading correctly.
And I’m beginning to think that this lack of control and waiting- this uncomfortable place-is exactly where God wants me to be right now. I’m realizing that maybe God’s goal for this season isn’t the accomplishments I’m striving for, but the opportunities to grow me more like Him. Maybe you are here with me, just waiting.
Waiting on doors to open or the partner to show up.
Waiting on physical healing or that job to happen.
Waiting for the Spirit to transform hearts or for resources to be gathered.
In the waiting, you may be wondering why God gave you this dream and doesn’t seem to be helping you accomplish it right away.
Whatever it is, I want to share some lessons God has been teaching me during this uncomfortable wait:
- Learning to rely on God’s provision- I can be a jump in, full-steam ahead kinda girl. I try to solve all the problems myself and become a one woman army, expecting that since God gave me this vision, I have everything I need to get it done–now.
But, when I look at the examples from the Bible, I find a very different story.
In Exodus, the Israelites move painfully slow through the wilderness. It’s here they learn to trust God for their provision.
Every day God provided manna (bread) and each day they learned to rely on Him for their sustenance. When they tried to do it their own way and gather more than their daily needs, they tried to work ahead and gather extra. This was futile and the manna was rotten the next day.
In this time of slow movement, I’m learning to live God’s way, so I proceed with prayer first. Each day, I ask God to direct my hands and provide what I need for the next step instead of trusting in doing it my way.
- Equipping and Unleashing Others- I’m the queen of taking on too much. It often starts off innocently enough, but before I realize it, I’m only adding to my plate and not removing anything. One reason I have a difficult time lessening my load? I have some control and people-pleasing issues.
When I take a peek back at Exodus again, I see Moses and I have this in common. He’s overwhelmed with all his responsibilities, too. His father-in-law, Jethro, gives him wise council to delegate to others. The truth is, no one can do it all.
That’s why Jesus gave us an example to follow. He chose His twelve disciples, equipped them, and then unleashed them to go out into the world and do the same with others.
This is how God’s plan works, but often times, whether it’s my pride or fear of inconveniencing others, I often cause a hiccup in the cycle of multiplication, creating more work for myself.
Today, instead of just feeling stuck, I’m learning to use this waiting time to equip others to do the work so the impact will be multiplied and new leaders will emerge. This is called discipleship and I am passionate about it.
- It’s not about the credit- We live in an accomplishment driven society. We fill
our resumes, social media accounts, and stories with the tasks we have conquered. One reason waiting is so uncomfortable, is we feel like others are passing us by and will receive the prize we thought we deserved.
Except, it’s not who gets the credit for it, but only about building God’s kingdom.
In 1 Chronicles, King David is told that he will not be the one to build the temple for God. Instead of sulking or being incredibly jealous, he sought to support his son Solomon in the building of the temple.
Not only that, he helped Solomon gather all the supplies needed. King David’s desire is for the kingdom, not who gets the credit.
This is an area I keep coming back to, wrestling with the implications of discipleship.
What if this season of learning to rely on God and equipping others is actually preparing my replacement?
What if my growth is actually about humbling myself?
Am I prepared to step back to allow the Light of the World to shine through?
The truth is, God doesn’t need me to share His glory. He’s God and I’m not. He needs me to be obedient and faithful.
I sense I still have a lot to learn and, so for now I wait. I am learning to embrace the uncomfortable wait, knowing that God is patiently teaching and preparing me for the road ahead, whatever it may be.
If you’re ready to run, but being told to wait in an uncomfortable place, remember His plans are always best. His ways are always right.
I’m praying for you and I’d love to know what lessons He’s teaching you right now.
Laura Gregg
Laura Gregg is the Director of Ministry Operations at her home church in Dayton, Ohio, where she is on mission to bring the disciple-making methods of Jesus back to the American church and into her own life.
Together with her husband and 2 young kids, she embraces their word of the year, UNCOMFORTABLE, by hosting Front Yard Fridays and signing up for Spartan races, all while God prepares their hearts and minds for going abroad. Follow their journey here.