In a world where comfort is often prioritized, Pastor Tim Timberlake is challenging Christians, especially in the West, to embrace discomfort as a pathway to spiritual growth. In his latest book, The Bumpy Road to Better, Timberlake, the senior pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, argues that true faith involves confronting life’s challenges rather than sidestepping them.
Timberlake’s perspective is refreshingly candid. He acknowledges that life is filled with bumps—those unexpected hurdles that can leave us feeling shaken. Instead of offering pat answers or clichés, he emphasizes that pain and hardship are integral to our growth as believers. “Pain has purpose,” he asserts, and avoiding it can hinder our spiritual development.
The book outlines 22 “hard things” that everyone will inevitably face, such as doubt, criticism, and sacrifice. Timberlake invites readers to rethink their approach to these difficulties, suggesting that they should be viewed as gifts rather than burdens. “There’s great power hidden in the things we’re trying to avoid,” he explains. By unlocking the strength found in adversity, believers can experience a more profound and meaningful faith journey.
Timberlake also addresses the concept of “faith fatigue,” a feeling many Christians encounter when faced with overwhelming challenges. He reflects on his own struggles with doubt, particularly during difficult times. “It’s not that we don’t believe,” he notes; rather, we may question whether God’s goodness applies to our situation. This resonates deeply, especially in light of recent tragedies, such as the devastating flooding in Texas that claimed numerous lives, including children at a Christian summer camp.
In times of suffering, Timberlake reminds us that God’s goodness remains unchanged. He challenges believers to anchor their faith not in circumstances but in the unchanging nature of God. “We often lose faith because our faith was anchored in something instead of someone,” he says, urging Christians to focus on their relationship with God rather than their expectations of life.
Timberlake’s critique of modern Christianity is particularly poignant. He points out that many Western churches propagate a theology that suggests following Christ guarantees a smooth path. “That theology is just not sound,” he argues, emphasizing that the biblical narrative includes stories of believers who faced trials without receiving the promises they hoped for. He references Hebrews 11, highlighting that faith often involves holding on even when outcomes are uncertain.
The pastor also addresses the role of criticism in the Christian journey. He offers a practical filter for discerning constructive feedback: consider the source and their heart for your future. This approach encourages believers to grow while remaining resilient against negativity.
Timberlake’s insights extend to the concept of sacrifice. He suggests that real trust in God often requires stepping into the unknown, relinquishing control over what we thought we could manage. “Clenched fists can’t grasp the better things God wants to give,” he asserts, encouraging believers to release their grip on both dreams and burdens.
In a culture that often prioritizes comfort over conviction, Timberlake urges Christians to embrace the discomfort that comes with godly conviction. “Scripture never asks us how we feel,” he points out. “It simply presents the truth, and when we apply that truth, it sets us free.”
As he reflects on his journey, Timberlake echoes the Apostle Paul’s sentiment about living fully and dying empty. “My prayer is that we live our lives full and die empty, because we were good down to the last drop,” he concludes.
In a time when many are searching for hope amid uncertainty, Timberlake’s message serves as a powerful reminder that growth often comes through discomfort. By embracing life’s challenges and anchoring faith in God, Christians can find strength and purpose in their journeys. For those looking for encouragement, The Bumpy Road to Better offers a roadmap to navigate the ups and downs of life with faith and resilience.
For more insights on faith and resilience, consider checking out resources from Focus on the Family and Christianity Today.