Being comfortable!

 

(This picture was taken in March of 2019 in Milton, Florida. Out fifth wheel was huge. BUT, remember, it LITERALLY contained everything we owned!)

Stephanie and I traveled the country by fifth-wheel for 3 years serving God. ONE of the lessons from that time was how our "stuff" wasn't really all that important to us. We could live COMFORTABLY with very little. When we prepared for our nomadic life we sold our house and everything we owned, gave away bags and bags of clothes, and we bought a fifth-wheel camper. We filled it with everything we had left. Then we hit the road! We were comfortable. However, by Western standards our limited wardrobe, small bedroom, one bathroom, and a house that had six wheels pulled by a truck, was unbelievable. Most people said they could not do what we did. Yet, others envied us as we removed the chaos in our lives and hit the road!

What would you think if God asked you to give up everything you had so you could serve him? What about if God asked you to live laying on your side for 430 days, only getting up to fix meals, and take care of your basic needs? That is exactly what Ezekiel was called to do. 

"Now lie on your left side and place the sins of Israel on yourself. You are to bear their sins for the number of days you lie there on your side. I am requiring you to bear Israel's sins for 390 days - one day for each year of their sin. After that, turn over and lie on your right side for 40 days - one day for each year of Judah's sins. Meanwhile, keep staring at the siege of Jerusalem. Lie there with your arm bared and prophesy her destruction. I will tie you up with ropes so you won't be able to turn from side to side until the days of your siege have been completed." (Ezekiel 4:4-8)

We live with such amazing comforts. We own 1.79 cars per household, 2.5 televisions (although 31% own four or more!), and the average American owns 77 - 150 pieces of clothing! Most people would say we are blessed. I say we are addicted to STUFF! I also would say we are a gluttonous people! Gluttony is not just about food, it is also about excess GREED. We have more stuff than we could ever truly need.  

As I was reading the story of Ezekiel carrying the weight of the sins of his people, I thought of his great sacrifice. Then I thought of the great sacrifice that Jesus made upon the cross. Ezekiel was not trapped all day long on his side. Although he ate a very limited meal each day he did not have to sacrifice his life for his people. Jesus did! He did make monumental sacrifices to teach his people. What are you willing to do to teach others about Jesus? What sacrifices, and what astounding life lessons are you willing to demonstrate for those in your family, or your community?

Stephanie and I were so abundantly blessed during the three years of our RV-life. As we got rid of the things that didn't matter, we were able to fill our lives with more of the ONE THING THAT REALLY MATTERED, Jesus. For those three years, both Stephanie and I studied God's word more than we ever had before. We prayed more, we served more, and we received more. God filled us with his Spirit. We praise him for that special time. 

I highly recommend eliminating the STUFF that dominates your life. Clear out your schedule and devote more time to the Lord. Get rid of the distractions that keep you from serving.  YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!