Following God is not Comfortable

We live in a day when many people are redefining what it means to be a Christian.  First of all any definition of what being a Christian is already clearly stated by Jesus, the apostles and church leaders throughout the history of the church.  Second, we must only use the Bible as our guide and not modern man's philosophies of life to define what it means to be a Christian.  Third, we must remember that being a genuine Christian is not words alone but actions.  If I say the right words but living a life completely contradictory to those words then I am living a lie and the truth is not in me.  In Numbers 13 & 14 is the story of the 12 spies going to the Promised Land to check things out.  Moses wanted information concerning the land in order to make good decisions on how to proceed to enter the land that God had promised.  Of the 12 spies, 10 came back with a negative report.  They saw themselves incapable of conquering the land due to the size of the cities, the size of the people and then they wanted to go back to Egypt.  Joshua and Caleb came back with a positive and faith filled message of hope.  They believe God was able to help them and were willing to go immediately to possess the land.  Words of Caleb, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.  If the Lord is pleased with, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.  Only do not rebel against the Lord.  And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up.  Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us.  Do not be afraid of them."  Numbers 14:7-9  Unfortunately the people sided with the negative talk which caused God to become very angry with them.  The basic thought here is that to follow God to the promised land was going to involve some risks, some dangers, some unknown things and a huge step of faith.  I present to you today that this is no different today.  If I am going to truly follow Jesus the way He wants me to follow Him will involve risks, dangers, unknown and will always involve steps of faith.  Here was the Lord's response to the children of Israel when they did not want to follow the Lord to the Promised Land.  "How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?"  Numbers 14:11  The point God was making with them would be the same point He will make with us.  I have been faithful, I will always be faithful, I will not lead you to do something that I will not help you to do and to complete, I will be with you, I am your strength and shield, there is nothing impossible with Me so keep your eyes on Me and not the size of the task that I called you to do.  Faith in God reveals that the giants in our eyes are merely ants in the eyes of God.  Our prayer ought to be: Lord help me to follow you in ways that are pleasing to You and though I am not comfortable grant me peace and joy for the journey You choose for me to walk.