2023: Breaking Out of Comfort

You’ve heard the phrase “creature of comfort.” But what would your 2023 look like if you set out to be a creature of discomfort?

Living in a culture of unparalleled ease and luxury, we’ve become accustomed to things coming easily. 

We still suffer, but generally, we avoid it at all costs.

One translation of the Latin root of “to comfort”  is “to soothe.” It’s easy to soothe ourselves, little by little, until any feeling of unrest or dissatisfaction is pushed far enough out of consciousness. 

But true peace comes from strengthening the weakest areas of our lives. If we think about our own bodies, recovery from injury requires physical therapy. Especially as we age, regular use of muscle groups keeps our muscles strong and prevents injury. 

Strength-training requires discomfort. It means accepting that discomfort is a necessary part of growth.

But so often it’s easy to…

• soothe anxiety with entertainment and mindless scrolling 

• silence fears in relationships by ignoring issues instead of communicating honestly 

• ease financial stress by holding back from generosity completely 

The list goes on…

• stifle insecurities as a spouse and a parent by becoming a workaholic 

• avoid the fear of failure by playing it safe in business

Actually, the list is endless.

We easily avoid discomfort and let the muscles of our habits waste away from lack of proper use. But Christ tells us that even the branches that bear fruit need pruning. 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” -  John 15:1-8. 

Allowing the Father to “prune” means more than just adjusting. 

It means Spirit-guided strength training and building capacity for struggle.

Pushing ourselves to trust and follow God’s will in our lives more closely, whether in business, family, or in our own minds, challenges our pride. And it demands action.

Change is not a quick-fix medication, but rather a journey to long-lasting peace.

So, what would this year look like if you chased the discomfort of pruning? If you pursued radical humility, acknowledging both your strengths and your weaknesses honestly? 

What is God’s vision for your branch this year?