Remember last summer when the Los Angeles Lakers signed LeBron James? There was so much hype and anticipation for what he was going to bring to the franchise. Everyone thought that Showtime is back...other stars will also sign...they’ll return to the playoffs...and it’s a huge win for LA.
Well, the season didn’t turn out as planned. Injuries have been costly, chemistry has been in question, and they’re not making the playoffs.
James has been to eight consecutive NBA Finals and hasn't missed the playoffs since 2004-2005, but those streaks are now over.
What happened to everything working out so easily? Aren’t the playoffs a guarantee with LeBron? Weren’t the young players supposed to improve alongside LeBron? Isn’t Luke Walton the next great coach? Isn’t LA the perfect fit with all the benefits LeBron was looking for?
Year one of LeBron in LA doesn’t appear to be what anyone signed up for and now the offseason will be a difficult one. However, LeBron is actually embracing what’s in store and recently admitted this: "I like being uncomfortable in the offseason. I like being counted out. It motivates me."
Everything was supposed to be comfortable in LA with the sun shining and stars aligning, but instead, LeBron finds himself uncomfortable. I appreciate him viewing it as a positive place to be because it will get the best out of him moving forward.
Isn’t it true that many people pursue God with the idea that everything will work out easily and life will be awesome...with the sun shining and the stars aligning?
We want good health, lots of wealth, and all the benefits in life. We want things to go our way and believe God wants us to be nice and comfortable in our big house and corner office.
The truth is, however, Jesus’ invitation to us is much more uncomfortable than that. We shouldn’t be surprised that when we truly follow Him, we give up the benefits of this life in order to embrace the treasures of Heaven.
Matthew 16:24 (AMP) explains, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to follow Me , he must deny himself , and take up his cross and follow Me .”
The uncomfortable life is a powerful life, but it’s not easy. We may still “make the playoffs” and “enjoy the LA sunshine” at times, but instead of seeking a comfortable life, we seek the obedient life of following Jesus.
We get to the place of surrender and denying our selfishness and say, "I like being uncomfortable" because we know that’s what’s truly best - both now and for eternity.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to find my comfort in You, knowing that it may mean being uncomfortable from a worldly perspective. I want to live a life of purpose and meaning more than a life of being comfortable. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
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