Reed's Reads of Wisdom Wednesdays: Answering When It Hurts: Why God Calls the Uncomfortable

He was bleeding. Literally.

Three spears were impaled through his gut. His body was trembling. The enemy was closing in. His vision blurred as pain shot through him like a bolt of lightning. And yet—he refused to stop. Refused to give up. Refused to die.

That’s the image of Angelo™ in Chapter 3 of Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™: The Angelo & Angeline Chronicles. It’s not your typical superhero moment. There’s no triumphant music. No iconic pose. Just a wounded warrior whispering, "Drop the shield when I say so."

That one moment speaks volumes to every believer walking through pain, pressure, or the battlefield of life. It reminds us of a sobering but freeing truth:

God doesn’t wait until we’re comfortable to call us. He often calls us when we’re bleeding.

The Fallacy of Comfort Before Calling

One of the greatest lies we tell ourselves is: I’ll do what God called me to do when I’m finally in a better place.

• When I’m not struggling financially…

  
  

• When I’m emotionally healed…

  
  

• When I’m not depressed, anxious, or unsure…

But Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™ puts that myth to rest. God uses Angelo while he's speared through, while he’s bleeding, while the Demon Master whispers in his ear to give up.

And isn’t that just like God?

In Judges 6, Gideon is hiding in a winepress when God calls him a “mighty warrior.” In Exodus 4, Moses is stuttering and angry when God tells him to speak to Pharaoh. In Isaiah 6, the prophet sees God in a vision, and even though his lips are unclean, he still says: Here am I, send me.

God doesn’t need perfection. He needs permission.

He doesn’t ask if we’re comfortable. He asks if we’re committed.

Angelo's Pain Became His Power

Angelo was supposed to die. The Demon Master planned for it. The enemy taunted him. The wounds were fatal. But rather than succumb to despair, Angelo did something radical: he used the weapons formed against him—as instruments of victory.

“Angelo willed himself to stand up, held his arms out as his sides and yelled, "NOW!"

Angeline dropped her force field and the glowing white, wooden spears shot out of Angelo’s stomach at super speed and flew around the heroes.

The demon soldiers were pulled into the glowing, white vortex the flying spears had created and were instantly destroyed.”

What the enemy meant for destruction became the very tool God used to win.

And maybe that’s a word for you today.

What’s been stabbing you lately? What’s pierced your peace?

• The heartbreak?

  
  

• The trauma?

  
  

• The loss?

  
  

• The setback?

Don’t dismiss the pain. But don’t you dare waste it either.

God never promised a painless purpose. But He did promise His power would be made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The Obedience That Hurts the Most

Angelo wasn’t just bleeding—he was also leading. He gave orders. Held the line. Shielded his team. Protected others. That’s leadership. That’s ministry. That’s love.

And sometimes, the truest form of obedience happens while you’re aching.

The mother who keeps praying over her kids while fighting depression.The teacher who keeps showing up despite battling grief.The pastor who keeps preaching through marital pain.The author who keeps writing through rejection.

This obedience? It hurts. But it heals. Because it testifies that we’re not running from the calling—we’re walking through it, wounded and all.

Obedience while bleeding says: “God, I trust You more than I trust how I feel.”

The Enemies of the Uncomfortable

When you answer God while uncomfortable, prepare for:

1. Doubt: "You can’t do this. You’re too messed up."

   
   

2. Delay: The pain doesn’t always lift right away. Obedience doesn’t guarantee ease.

   
   

3. Distractions: The enemy will try to exploit your wounds, like the Demon Master whispering lies into Angelo’s spirit.

But here's your counterattack: God’s call overrides your condition. And His power covers your brokenness.

“You didn’t choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit…” (John 15:16)

He chose you—bleeding, broken, and all. And He’s still sending you.

When the People Around You Don’t Know You’re Bleeding

Here’s the truth: many people won’t see your struggle.

They’ll only see your shine.

Angelo still looked like a hero while he was bleeding. Some patrons inside the library may have seen the aftermath, but not the agony. Likewise, people may admire your endurance but never understand the pain behind it.

Let that be okay. Let that be holy.

Because you know who does see?

God. And He rewards what others miss.

“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6)

You Are Not Alone in the Hurt

Later in the book, Angeline runs into her own battle with Destruction. Jeff wrestles with Monstrosity. The war comes for them all.

The same is true for us.

Pain is not a detour from the purpose. It’s a part of the path. But so is the promise. So is the presence of God. So is the healing.

Your comfort will return. But your calling is now.

Final Word: A Prayer for the Uncomfortable

Father, I’m hurting. And yet—I’m still here. Still standing. Still trying to say yes. I don’t feel strong, but I trust You are. I don’t feel ready, but I trust Your timing. Use my brokenness. Use my story. Use even this pain to make a difference. Thank You for calling me even when I didn’t feel qualified. I give You my “yes”—even while it hurts. Amen.

Don’t Forget This

You don’t have to be healed to be helpful. You don’t have to be whole to be willing. You just have to be available.

Say yes. Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts.

Because your wounded yes might just bring someone else the healing they’ve been praying for.

*Want more stories like Angelo’s? Dive into Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™ and discover the raw, supernatural, soul-awakening power of faith under fire. Available now at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop.