UNPACK This...Finding Lasting JoySample

Excited to be Uncomfortable

For many years during the early part of the 21st century, the Pittsburgh Steelers knew that Ben Roethlisberger was their franchise quarterback.

With Roethlisberger's tremendous success, the Steelers never had to worry about who was going to line up under center.

But when Roethlisberger retired, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin opened up in an interview about how he was approaching his first season without him:

"The dude's arm talent was so special for so long. When you see special stuff every day, you get used to it. I've enjoyed that comfort; we've all enjoyed that comfort. I'm excited about being uncomfortable."

He understood there would be challenges ahead, but said, "... I'm looking forward to the anxiety associated with that uncertainty. To have to stand and deliver, to live out what we believe in…"

He also added later, "... it's scary. But exciting."

We, too, can find ourselves in seasons of discomfort. Perhaps life was once going well, and then, suddenly, we were faced with uncertainty about what to do next.

However, as followers of Jesus, we can be "excited about being uncomfortable" because it draws us to God for comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

Seasons of being uncomfortable also provide opportunities to seek God for guidance toward a new direction as we embrace the change.

Being uncomfortable can be exciting, as it gives us the chance to deepen our faith while trusting Him and waiting for Him to reveal what's next.

James 1:2-3 (AMP) gives us this challenge: "Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith produces endurance."

Today, let's choose excitement and joy during the seasons of discomfort as we continue to "live out what we believe in." Let's trust God as He guides us into clarity.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for comforting me in my discomfort. I pray that I will be able to choose joy during trials and uncertainty. I am certain that You are worthy of being trusted. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.