When God Is Ready For You To Move, He Will Make Your Situation Uncomfortable
We all experience times in life when things seem uncomfortable or difficult. It’s easy to get frustrated and wonder why God would allow struggles to come our way. However, the truth is that God often uses uncomfortable situations to get us to move into the new seasons and plans He has for us.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: God will orchestrate circumstances to unsettle us when the time comes for a transition, because staying too comfortable can prevent us from pursuing His greater purposes for our lives.
In this article, we’ll explore biblical and real-life examples of how God uses discomfort to prompt change and growth in the lives of His people. We’ll look at how to discern if your discomfort is God’s nudge to move you into new territory.
And we’ll discuss healthy responses when God decides it’s time to make you uncomfortable for your own good.
Examples of Biblical Figures Experiencing Discomfort Before a Major Transition
Abraham – Called to leave his homeland
God called Abraham (originally named Abram) to leave his homeland of Haran and set out for an unfamiliar land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1). This must have been incredibly uncomfortable and disorienting for Abraham, leaving behind everything familiar and not even knowing his final destination.
Joseph – Sold into slavery by his brothers
Joseph’s brothers hated him so much that they plotted to kill him, before deciding to sell him into slavery instead (Genesis 37:12-36). Joseph was taken to Egypt away from his beloved father Jacob. Becoming a slave in a foreign land was likely a very distressing transition for young Joseph.
Moses – Forced to flee Egypt after killing an Egyptian
After Moses killed an Egyptian slave master, he had to flee Egypt because Pharaoh wanted to kill him (Exodus 2:11-15). Fleeing for his life, leaving behind his adopted royal lifestyle, must have been incredibly jarring and uncomfortable for Moses.
David – Constantly on the run from Saul before becoming king
Before taking the throne, David had to escape from King Saul’s attempts to murder him, running for his life and hiding in wilderness caves (1 Samuel 18-26). The discomfort and uncertainty during this transitional period prepared David for leadership.
Esther – Taken from her family to join the king’s harem
Young Esther was brought unmarried and by force into King Xerxes’ harem, separated from her only remaining family member, her cousin Mordecai. This sudden transition into the royal but confining harem doubtless brought distress for Esther as she adjusted (Esther 2:1-20).
How Discomfort Prepares Us for God’s Purposes
Discomfort detaches us from comfort zones
When God wants to move us in a new direction, one of the first things He may do is make our current situation uncomfortable. This discomfort pushes us outside our comfort zones, which have a tendency to become stagnant over time.
As author Priscilla Shirer said, “The places where you’ve been comfortable are not the places where you grow.” The discomfort prods us to seek God’s guidance on what adjustments need to be made.
It builds our faith and trust in God
Being detached from the familiar naturally stretches our dependency on God. We realize we cannot navigate life’s changes alone and must rely more fully on Him. As we walk in faith through uncertain times, seeing God direct our steps builds our confidence that He will guide us rightly to our destiny (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This faith fortification equips us for the greater responsibilities ahead.
It refines our character and resilience
Navigating discomfort requires drawing upon inner strength and resolve while maintaining godly attitudes and reactions. As gold is refined by fire, going through trials refines our character to reflect more of Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Each time we respond correctly to difficulties, we become spiritually tougher. This resilience enables us to fulfill greater Kingdom purposes down the road.
It expands our capacity and prepares us for greater responsibility
Discomfort stretches our abilities beyond former limits. Natural human tendency is to remain within secure boundaries. Therefore, God sometimes leads us into situations that expand our spiritual, emotional or mental capacity in areas essential for the future assignments He has prepared (Ephesians 2:10).
As we follow His lead through our growing pains, our enlarged capabilities position us for the greater responsibilities He foresees.
It keeps us dependent on God rather than our circumstances
Uncomfortable seasons teach us not to put hope in our surroundings, which can change instantly. Human nature draws security from healthy finances, stable relationships and comfortable dwellings. When those are shaken, we realize the folly of trusting in things which easily crumble.
We learn through hard times to be content regardless of circumstances by relying on God’s strength (Philippians 4:12-13). Maintaining constant dependence is key for thriving through future storms.
Distinguishing God’s Prompting from Life’s Difficulties
Look at the timing and sequence of events
Often God allows a situation to become uncomfortable before opening a new door. Reflect on the timing and sequence of events – does your situation align with being in a transitional or preparatory period?
For example, feeling unfulfilled at work right before a new career opportunity arises could indicate God stirring you towards change. Pay attention to patterns that suggest God might be nudging you in a new direction.
Consider if it aligns with God’s principles and purposes
Assess whether the prompting aligns with biblical values – does it glorify God, serve others, align with righteousness? For example, feeling called to volunteer more may align better with God’s purposes versus a prompting to pursue fame or power. Ask God to check your heart motives in the situation.
Seek godly counsel and wisdom from others
Consult mature Christians for input as they may provide discernment. As Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Share details of your situation and ask for their perspective on whether it aligns with God’s leading based on their spiritual wisdom.
Pay attention to confirmations through Scripture, dreams, etc.
Look for confirmations the prompting is from God through Scripture, devotions, dreams, other believers speaking truth into your life, and more. For example if you are seeking direction on a job change, pay attention to Scriptures, songs, conversations, etc.
that may affirm moving in that new direction. Seek signs of alignment.
Reflect on whether it’s prompting growth vs. only pain
Responding Well to God’s Discomfort
Receive it as God’s divine plan, not punishment
When going through trying times, it’s easy to feel like God is punishing us. However, we must remember that God is our loving Father who wants the best for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Difficult seasons are often part of His divine plan to grow and shape us for His glory.
We can choose to receive discomfort as an opportunity, not a punishment. This perspective shift enables us to align our hearts with God’s good intentions.
Ask God to reveal His purposes and lessons for you
Uncomfortable situations often have a teaching or training purpose. God uses challenges to increase our patience, kindness, reliance on Him and other Christ-like qualities. Rather than questioning why something is happening, it’s helpful to recognize God is working and ask Him to reveal what growth or lessons He desires for you.
As the Potter perfecting His clay, God crafts our character through trying times. Ask Him to guide the process (Jeremiah 18:6).
Remain obedient through the discomfort
When facing difficult or confusing circumstances, our natural response may be to resist. However, God calls us to obey even when we don’t understand. As Deuteronomy 13:4 says, “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere.
Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” This type of radical obedience honors God and positions us for breakthrough. Remain faithful in small things while ‘in the waiting room’ of God’s bigger plan.
Look expectantly for God’s new opportunities
Seasons of discomfort are often preparation for transition. As you walk in obedience, look expectantly for open doors God desires to lead you through. Maybe He is calling you to a new ministry, career, relationship or geographic location.
While waiting can be challenging, maintain hope of God’s guiding hand directing you onwards and upwards. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Embrace this season as temporary and for your benefit
Finally, remember discomfort is for but a moment. As the old adage goes, ‘This too shall pass.’ By keeping an eternal perspective, you can endure present challenges knowing your current situation is temporary and intended for your growth.
As James 1:2-4 (NLT) encourages, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Conclusion
Discomfort often signals God’s desire to transition us into new callings, blessings and growth we’ve yet to experience. Rather than collapsed under pressure, we can rise up with hopeful expectation that God is at work to lead us forward into His best.
Don’t run from seasons of divine disruption. With prayer and trust in God’s guidance, discomfort can propel you into the life of impact and adventure He has prepared.
