Discomfort - Pastor's Pen for 8th March 2026

Pauanui from Mt. Paku, Tairua

I found my way up Mt. Paku in some free time we had before a family wedding on the last Saturday of February. It took me a little while to find the summit track, but the climb was worth the view. The weekend was full of social time with cousins and family. I'm glad I had the balance of a little solitude climbing a hill and enjoying nature. I was thankful and prayerful.

In contrast, it's fair and honest to say I've struggled with prayer and solitude in this current Lent season. There have been so many distractions. Suddenly, on Wednesday evening as I was preparing the dinner, I had occasion to cry out in pain as something unexpected tweaked in my lower back and I had to clutch the side of the bench to stay upright. Just like that, my prayer life was marvelously restored. "Help me Lord."

I'm not saying that God afflicted me with the mystery back pain, but the experience certainly got me praying. As I was lying prone in the osteopath/acupuncture clinic on Thursday, I made a conscious effort and inventory of prayer, knowing I would be lying still for a while. Repentance, thanksgiving and intercession flowed from me. My body was still sore, but my soul was awake.

Humans like comfort, but it can dull our spiritual vigilance and prayer life. A little discomfort (and I don't mean just of the physical kind) can turn our thoughts and our hearts to God. The 19th Century Scottish poet and pastor George MacDonald wrote; "Afflictions are but the shadow of God's wings." Many circumstances come our way in this sometimes chaotic life. May each of them be an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus. Shalom