"Faith Over Comfort" | June 1, 2025 | Ps Amber George

In a world that often prioritizes comfort and security, we're called to something greater - a faith that turns the world upside down. But what does this really mean, and how can we live it out in our daily lives?

The early church, as described in the Book of Acts, provides a powerful example of this transformative faith. These ordinary men and women, empowered by the Holy Spirit, didn't just believe in Jesus - they trusted Him enough to act boldly, even in the face of persecution and hardship.

At the core of this radical faith are two fundamental truths:

1. As followers of Jesus, we're called to continue His work and do even greater things than He did while on earth.
2. We're empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this calling.

These aren't just nice ideas - they're promises from Jesus Himself. In John 14:12-17, He tells His disciples, "Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works... And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth."

But here's where many of us struggle: We want to turn the world upside down, but we also crave comfort. We desire to make a difference, but we're hesitant to step out of our safe zones. This internal conflict between faith and flesh is real, and it's one we must confront if we truly want to live out the calling Jesus has placed on our lives.

So how do we grow our faith to be stronger than our desire for comfort? Here are four key principles:

1. Don't Wait for Clarity - Respond to the Call

In Acts 3, we see Peter and John encountering a lame beggar at the temple gate. They didn't wait for a burning bush or an audible voice from heaven. They saw a need, recognized their calling, and acted immediately. "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk," Peter declared, and the man was instantly healed.

How often do we hesitate, waiting for perfect clarity before we step out in faith? God is calling us to trust Him enough to move, even when we don't have all the answers.

2. Know and Trust That We're Empowered to Answer the Call

Our ability to fulfill God's calling has nothing to do with our own qualifications and everything to do with the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Peter and John were described as "ordinary, unschooled men" by the religious leaders, yet they performed miracles and preached with boldness.

This should be incredibly freeing! Your past, your education, your perceived weaknesses - none of these disqualify you from being used powerfully by God. The only qualification you need is the Holy Spirit, and if you're a follower of Jesus, you already have Him.

3. Pursue the Call Over Comfort

When Peter and John were arrested and threatened for preaching about Jesus, their response wasn't to retreat to safety. Instead, they gathered with other believers and prayed for even greater boldness! "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness," they prayed (Acts 4:29).

This is a challenging example for many of us. When we face opposition or discomfort, our natural inclination is often to pray for an escape or an easier path. But what if, instead, we prayed for the courage to press on, to be even bolder in pursuing God's call?

4. Be Anchored in the Truth That the Reward Always Outweighs the Cost

Following Jesus will involve sacrifice and may lead to suffering. Peter and John were flogged for their faith, yet Acts 5:41 tells us they left "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."

This perspective seems almost alien to our comfort-seeking nature. But it stems from a deep understanding that our present troubles are temporary, while the eternal impact of our faith is, well, eternal. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Living out these principles isn't easy. It should make us uncomfortable because turning the world upside down doesn't happen in our comfort zones. The Holy Spirit doesn't empower us for a life of ease, but for courageous, risk-taking Kingdom living.

So, where is God calling you to trust Him more deeply? What comfort zone is He asking you to leave? What risk is He inviting you to take?

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Just as the early believers relied on their community for support and prayer, we too need fellow believers to encourage us, hold us accountable, and pray with us as we step out in faith.

Ultimately, answering God's call isn't about striving to be "good enough" or forcing ourselves to do difficult things out of a sense of duty. It flows naturally from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. When we've experienced His transformative love, grace, and freedom, we can't help but want to share it with others, regardless of the cost.

As we choose to take steps of faith - big or small - our trust grows, and with it, our impact for God's Kingdom. We may never fully conquer our desire for comfort this side of eternity, but we can learn to prioritize God's call above it, trusting that He is with us every step of the way.

So today, let's challenge ourselves to move beyond mere belief and into active trust. Let's dare to be the kind of believers who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, truly turn the world upside down for Jesus.