In our constant pursuit of the "good life," we often forget the transformative journey God intends for His followers. The comfortable, easy path rarely leads to spiritual growth. Instead, it's through adversity and struggle that we truly become disciples of Jesus Christ. Is the “good life” inherently dangerous to the Great Commission lifestyle demonstrated by Jesus and His first disciples?

The Hebrew word for "good" is "tov." Is it possible to have too much of the “tov?” In the Western world, and increasingly across the globe, Christians find themselves caught in a relentless pursuit of comfort and security. We focus on acquisition, accumulation, and self-determination. Biblically, there’s nothing inherently wrong with seeking stability. However, the pursuit of stability for personal comfort distracts us from our true calling as followers of Christ.

As believers, we're called to be "salt and light" in the domains God has placed us. Yet, how often do we lose sight of this mission in our race for the “tov life?” The challenge for modern Christians is to break free from the allure of physical comfort and rediscover the transformative power of adversity.

In The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Consider the recent wildfires that ravaged Southern California. In a matter of minutes, the neighborhoods of Altadena were reduced to ash and rubble. The devastation was absolute, leaving behind only remnants of what once was. Caleb Stratemann, a 2025 Fellowship Team member, observed, "It's impossible to grasp the absolute destruction of this tragedy without walking through the ash heaps that were once someone’s home."


This stark reality was a wake-up call to this year’s Fellowship Team at Disciple Daily. In the face of such loss, they were confronted with essential questions about what truly matters in life and the next. Amidst the destruction, stories of hope and human connection emerged. Caleb, Jenifer, and Rob joined other Samaritan’s Purse volunteers to sift through the ashes, searching for lost treasures and offering comfort and counsel  to those who had lost everything.



Standing in the rubble of his former home, one homeowner asked for a picture with our team. Rob recalled what he said. ”All my memories from this place have been burned up. I need to remember what you did here today." Their simple acts of kindness and presence meant more than any material recovery ever could.

Jenifer had the privilege of finding a lost wedding band. The property owner had said, "I will be satisfied if my ring is found." When presented with the recovered ring, both Jenifer and the woman shed tears of joy. These moments of connection and compassion amidst devastation highlight the enduring power of human kindness and the importance of community in times of crisis.

The true purpose of our Fire Zone Mission went beyond the physical act of helping people recover lost items. Keith Myer, the Fellowship Team Director, reflected, "Even though we worked hard shoveling and sifting ashes, hoping to find something of value that the people had lost, we didn't find very much. Discovering lost treasure wasn't what this mission was about. We were there to stand beside people, listen to the stories of what life had once been like until they were ready to let go."

This insight cuts to the heart of Christian discipleship. Our calling is not just to provide material aid but to offer hope, companionship, and direction to lost people. In moments of loss and vulnerability, we have opportunities to share the redemptive story of Jesus, which points towards hope that transcends earthly possessions.

Growing Pains
The pattern of growth through adversity is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. From Joseph's journey from slave to ruler to the Israelites' wanderings in the desert to the early church's persecution and subsequent spread, we see time and again how God uses challenging circumstances to shape and refine His people, not for their comfort but to be a light that leads to spiritual rest, to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  

When we face personal struggles, natural disasters, or societal challenges, we can grow in our faith by becoming more like Christ for the sake of others. In these moments of adversity, we experience significant spiritual breakthroughs. Spiritual growth doesn't happen automatically. It requires a conscious choice to view struggle through the lens of faith and actively seek God's purpose in those challenges. We must also be willing to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the pain and suffering around us.

As you reflect on these truths, you join others responding to the challenge to examine the dangers of the “tov life.” Are we too comfortable? Have we become so focused on pursuing our objectives that we've lost sight of our calling to be salt and light in the broken world around us? 

How can we create new rhythms that align more closely with God's purposes? One practical step is to engage with those who are suffering intentionally. This could mean volunteering in disaster relief efforts, serving in local community outreach programs, or simply being present for a friend or neighbor going through difficult days. By stepping into these spaces of pain and loss, we serve others and open ourselves to the transformative work God wants to do in our own lives.

Character Cultivation
Another important aspect is cultivating a perspective beyond material possessions and earthly comforts. While it's not wrong to enjoy God's blessings, we must hold them loosely, recognizing that true security and fulfillment come from our relationship with Christ, not from what we own or achieve.

Ultimately, the goal is not to seek out suffering for its own sake, but to be open to the growth and transformation that comes through life's inevitable challenges. As we embrace struggle and walk alongside others in theirs, we can experience God's presence in profound ways and become more effective disciples of Jesus.