Studying the Book of Acts and hearing Jon’s choice to choose power than comfort has brought me to this point. The statement or challenge of Comfort Vs Power rings in my head yet unable to find rest. It usually makes sense when we say ‘Choose comfort or power.’ Even as Jon wrestled with his own comfort and chose to be powerful – maybe by doing so allows himself to a place where he is able to receive that power, almost immediately my heart cries out, asking the question of “Does comfort and power exist only at the absent of another? Can’t they co-exist? Must one be very very uncomfortable in order to move powerfully?
This is almost reflected through the lives of the apostles. The apostles, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and its power. They moved powerfully in their ministry, in miracles, deeds and gospel preaching. That was powerful, probably the most powerful manifestation of the Spirit ever recorded. At the same time, they became witnesses of Christ. They became martyr. Their life was never comfortable again, oppositions were everywhere, they were constantly on the run, fleeing from one authority to another, locked in prison, stoned to death.
Almost without a question, I accepted this, knowing in my mind and heart that it has to be this way. Now, I am asking the question ‘Why?’ ‘Why must powerful life be uncomfortable? Why is it so uncomfortable pursuing or even just desiring a powerful life? Can’t one be comfortably powerful?
If the two can’t co-exist, then isn’t it unfair that both comfort and power can co-non-exist? I am so uncomfortable now and at the same time, far from powerful…
Honestly, I would rather die that to suffer
i think the question boils down to how u define "comfort" or "suffering".
ppl can find 'comfort' in power and 'suffering' in comfort as well. 'comfort' in the assurance, with faith, of what is to come with power as you choose it, while 'suffering' with the current physical comfort you're in but fear of what is to come (ie. eternity?).
luke 14:26 of the message says:
"anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters--yes, even one's own self!-can't be my disciple."
mark 8:35 of the message:
self-help is no help at all. self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.
heh... to be honest, i'm far from neither power nor comfort too. without power there's no comfort. with comfort... there's no 'comfort' as well because there's no power.
Posted by: agung at February 2, 2005 8:35 PMi think it's the discomfort in us that pushes us for something more powerful!!! In need of a breakthrough...
Posted by: melanie at February 4, 2005 5:00 PM