Clearing the Hurdles: Positive Discontent

In my last post, I shared my final roadblock: Negative Discontent. Today, I'm going to share about one tool that can be used to surmount these obstacles. I am labeling this tool "Positive Discontent."

The other day, I explained this form of discontent using the example of wanting a better job and taking steps toward getting that job rather than complaining all the time. While some of the changes in my life have been fueled simply by a desire for something better, there are other changes - many of which are still in the process of being made - that are fueled by something bigger than me. My motivation comes from the prodding of the Holy Spirit. If it weren't for His direction, there are things I never would have done or will do. I'd like to share some examples.

Example #1: Going to Bible college. Even though I waited a year after I graduated high school, my spiritual state had not changed in that time. I was just as apathetic about God's will as I had been since Junior High. So going off to Bible school where I knew I was going to be in a very "Christian" environment was not exactly at the top of my Bucket List. But despite the fact I wasn't nurturing a relationship with Him, when I cried out to God for a hint as to His will on the matter, He made it very clear that Bible College was what He wanted for me. So off I went to Wyoming and the rest is history but it's not a choice I would have made on my own.

Example #2: Switching churches. I grew up in a tiny country church where everyone was like family and everyone loved me. They supported me in so many ways when I went off to college and I'm thoroughly convinced that if it weren't for their prayers, I wouldn't have survived even half of the stuff that happened in my three years there. After I counselled at camp this summer, I came home knowing I would be home for a while. I started going back to my home church, but it wasn't the same and it didn't feel right. This created a lot of discontent in me so I decided to try out my other option for a church: Going with my grandparents to their rather large, city-based church. I found that I could connect better with God there, so I chose to switch churches. Now, this isn't a perfect example of Positive Discontent, because I would have made the switch anyways, regardless of what God thought (not exactly excited to admit that, but I'm all about being honest and I figured you should know that). But it is a fairly decent example because I did seek God's desire on the matter and I made sure my heart was right as I made the switch. And it was an amazing choice because I've been able to plug in with a group of people my age and start making spiritual connections like I had when I was at school.

Example #3: Testing the waters of ministry. This is a change that is still in the works, though I have done ministry in the past and enjoyed it. But the specific form of ministry I feel God prodding me to try is inner city children's ministry. Throughout all my negative discontent this summer and fall, I knew that the basic reason was because I was aware of want God wanted me to do but very much unwilling to do it. This is the best example I have of Positive Discontent because I am slowly reaching my toes to the edge of those waters, but only because I know it's something God wants and I know that as long I put it off, I won't be content with where I am in life.

Now I challenge you to consider your life. Is there some change you want you to make for the better because you don't like where you are? Just take a baby step in that direction. Want a better job? Research the qualifications you'll need. Want to go on a cruise? Start saving today, remembering that every little bit counts. Want to lose weight? "Eat less, move more." You can change the things you don't like about your life simply by taking steps in that direction.

Now look at your heart. Maybe you've been feeling God tugging you a certain direction. No matter what you do, you won't be able to escape that tug. Sure, you may learn to ignore it, but you will be miserable. Instead, take a step towards what He wants, praying all the time for His direction. See what He does.

I'm aware that I make this all sound so easy; like any goal can be reached in three simple steps. But it's not easy at all. There will be times our resolve won't be enough and as soon as we've taken one step forward, we'll take three steps back. We will face fear and doubts and we'll want to just run back to our comfort zone where we're safe. But we can't! We must keep going, focusing on why we want to change what we're working to change, relying on God's strength to help us. So think on that Positive Discontent and let God use it to show you what needs to change. Then take the first step.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
- Chinese Proverb