Life In the Middle

I didn’t expect a sports drink to preach to me. But there I was, taking a sip of BodyArmor Light and thinking, this doesn’t taste that great. I mean, it’s not terrible – but it’s not what I’d choose if I were just going for flavor. And yet, I know why I’m drinking it. It has electrolytes, less calories, vitamins, and hydration. It’s doing something good for my body, even if my taste buds aren’t celebrating.

And then it hit me – this is what faith can feel like.

Because if we’re honest, not everything that’s good for us feels good to us.

The gospel is the best news we could ever receive. It’s life-giving. It restores, heals, redeems, and transforms. It’s not just helpful – it’s essential. But that doesn’t mean it always goes down easy.

Sometimes it confronts us.
Sometimes it offends us.
Sometimes it asks us to let go of things we’d rather hold onto.

Being fully transparent, I love the parts of faith that bring peace, hope, and assurance. And those are real – they’re deeply real. But the same gospel that comforts me also calls me to something else.

It calls me to surrender.
It calls me to die to my own desires that contradict God’s best.
It calls me to trust God in areas where I’d rather stay in control.

And if I’m being honest, that doesn’t always “taste” good.

Forgiving someone who hurt you doesn’t feel natural.
Letting go of pride doesn’t feel rewarding in the moment.
Choosing obedience over comfort rarely feels convenient.

But just like that drink in your hand, something deeper is happening beneath the surface.

So does something feel off?

We live in a culture that often equates “good” with “feels good.” But faith flips that. The gospel flips the script.

Some of the most important moments in your walk with God won’t feel amazing—they’ll feel stretching. Like really stretching!

You’ll wrestle.
You’ll question.
You’ll hesitate.

But those are often the exact moments where God is doing His best work in you.

Think about it – hydration doesn’t always come from the sweetest drink. Growth doesn’t always come from the easiest path.

Transformation rarely comes from staying comfortable.

Don’t Confuse Preference with Purpose

If you only drank what tasted the best all the time, your body would eventually feel it. Ask any southerner about Sweet Tea and you’ll get my drift.

In the same way, if we only lean into the parts of faith that feel good, we miss the full power of what God wants to do in us.

Faith isn’t built on preference – it’s built on trust.

Trust that God knows what we need.
Trust that His way is better.
Trust that even when something feels hard, it’s actually leading us somewhere good.

So Here’s the Question

What are you resisting right now – not because it’s wrong, but because it’s uncomfortable?

Is there something God is asking you to release? Something He’s inviting you into? Something that doesn’t taste great in the moment – but could change you in the long run?

I don’t know what it is for you, but I do know that oftentimes, what’s better, it’s always best.

Final Thoughts

BodyArmor Lyte might not win any awards for flavor, but it’s doing something valuable.

And in a similar way, following Jesus might not always feel easy – but it is always good.

So don’t walk away from something just because it’s uncomfortable.

Lean in.
Trust deeper.
And remember – what doesn’t taste great today might be exactly what strengthens you tomorrow.