All Noble Things are Difficult

"Thank God He does give us difficult things to do...[they] test us for all we are worth...God's grace turns out men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ, not milksops." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, July 7

On more than one occasion, I have heard somebody say, "Why does life have to be so hard?" or something similar. It seems many (including myself) wish life could always be simple, always be easy, always be fun. The truth is, as I follow Jesus, life is often more difficult than I ever imagined. I am tested in ways that often make me question whether it is worth it or not. I often ask myself why God puts such a hard road in front of me.

Many live the the mistaken idea that, by accepting Christ in their lives, their lives will be easier, but that is not what Christ promised. In fact he promised the exact opposite: "You will be universally hated for my name, but anyone who stands firm will be saved." This says to me, "The world will be against you if you stand up for me." It's not that God is making my life hard, the world and all that is not of God is fighting against my determination to keep God at the center of my life.

What God does promise is He will be with me and, if I do make my stand in Him, He will help me through all that comes at me, and He has ALWAYS been faithful to that promise