Church planting is emotionally painful.

 

There, I said it outloud and in print. Well, won't that scare away prospective planters, you ask? Hopefully. The tough will remain.

 

You must be driven to stay out of your desire to return to your comfort zone. Every day. No exceptions. 

 

It does take a special breed to play hurt some days. Some muscles strain and head injuries occur.  To lace them up and get on the field when every fiber wants a warm bath and the comfort of your mommy is part of the criteria required to excel. That is the naked truth. You will need to beat your body into submission - that requires effort.

 

The principle is articulated by award-winning national geographic photographer Cory Richards. 

 

 

 

This article was first found at Lifehack, entitled: This Fearless Photographer Explains To The World Vividly Why Comfort Isn’t Success.

 

Church-planter: a personal word to you. Yes, you get tired of failure and disappointment. It appears as if your dream will never be realized. It is certainly tougher than you ever imagined. I grant you that.

 

Just take the words of a "in-the-meantime solidly into the middle-age category" church-planter: You are probably the only one standing between people and them entering eternity without a clear presentation of the gospel. My eyes are wet with your plight. I carry a number of battle wounds myself. Tears have never been far away - some of sadness, some of great joy.

 

If you make a lifestyle choice, please do not base it on a love of comfort, but of great courage to represent the One who left all comfort just to ransom you.

 

You can make an impact, but only if you push through the pain. Be part of creating something beautiful.