Monday, May 19, 2008

On Following Jesus

Sometimes our vision of what the Christian life does not match up with what God’s Word tells us it is like. Unless we have a Biblically-informed picture of what is to be a follower of Jesus Christ, we will be frustrated when reality sets in.

Following Jesus Christ is rarely simple or easy. He never promised that it would be. Growth in Christ-likeness is a process. It has been said that the life of following Christ is not a walk in the park but a journey through the wilderness. It is exhausting. It is often confusing.

At times, it seems like God is not there. At times, it is difficult to see how God is working out His plan and His promises in my life. At times, it seems like there is more suffering than blessing. At times, I feel like giving up. At times, I feel like evil triumphs. At times, I feel isolated and misunderstood.

These are all normal feelings. Read the psalms of David. Read the Gospels.

Even though I entrust my circumstances to God does not mean that they will change overnight. He never promised to take away my suffering. But He did promise to see me through it. And He promised me that in the midst of it all, I can have incredible joy and a peace that passes all understanding. In the midst of it all, I can have hope. Because He promised that this journey in the wilderness is only temporary. The Promised Land awaits.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Your messages have been a source of great encouragement to us. Although the circumstances are not always the same, the direction of our attention to the author and finisher of our faith is always a reminder of where we need to be in our daily walk..at the foot of the cross. We pray for you and your family at all kinds of unusual times -- May the God of Adam, Abraham, David, Ruth, and our father, continue to uphold you every minute of every day.