discomfort and inconvenience

I believe one of the main themes from the birth of Jesus is discomfort and inconvenience. You would like to think that the Son of God would have this extravagant birth and that everything about it was perfect. Well, that is how the world today might force us into thinking what it should've been like. 

Sometimes we think to ourselves, "I'm being obedient, so why aren't things going better." 

We face discomfort and inconvenience and immediately think either that we have misread God's will or that God has made a mistake. 

But watch the quiet couple as they head toward Bethlehem...God did not soften Joseph's bumpy road, but strengthened him. God did not provide a luxurious inn for Joseph and Mary, but brought his Son into the world in humble surroundings.

When we do God's will, we are not guaranteed comfort and convenience. But we are promised that everything, even discomfort and inconvenience, has meaning in God's plan. He will guide you and provide all you need. 

Like Jospeh, live each day by faith, trusting that God is in charge. 

I believe we need to embrace all the uncomfortable things that we face and that starts with faith and having a good mindset about it. When I think of discomfort, a couple things come to mind...

You are focusing on yourself and don't have faith that what you are going through is for a reason. 

We are always going to be faced with things that make us uncomfortable. It's just how the world works. It's up to us how we handle it. 

We HAVE to remember that everything we are promised...has a meaning in God's plan. 

Embrace the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. There is a reason we go through the things we go through, and feel the way that we feel. God has everything under control and already planned out for our lives. 

Embrace the pace...always love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Do that, and everything will fall into place. 

Set realistic expectations! I can't stress how important that is. We read all the time about what God has promised for those who are obedient to him, but we also have to expect to go through tough times as well. The best expectation you can set is knowing that there are always going to be highs and lows...and that God has it all in his plan for you. God has everything under control...expect that.