Things that are hard to comprehend: everything that is going on currently in our world, the individual things that each and every one of us is dealing with in our own personal lives, the fact that spring is just around the corner and soon it will be Easter. Sometimes we are faced with impossibilities, things that are just hard to comprehend, or an impasse that is leaving us with more questions than answers.
Maybe you are there? Maybe you are struggling to figure things out, or make sense of what you are dealing with individually, as a family or maybe with your friends? Maybe you have felt disillusioned because you have done all the right things, been obedient to God and yet things seem to be getting harder or more difficult than they were when you weren’t?
I get it. I am here to tell you, You are NOT alone. Here’s the thing, most generally when you find yourself listening to the voice of God, when you start following His will even as uncertain or crazy as it may seem at times, instead of life being easier it usually becomes harder for a little while (or maybe a long while). See the enemy doesn’t usually bother you if you are just minding your business and not following God’s plan for your life. Why? Because you are no longer a threat.
It is when we dig into His word, listen to God’s leading and are willing to step out in faith and follow even into the unknown, that the opposing forces usually emerge and try anything they can to distract, discourage or even throw a full onslaught of nastiness at you. Yes, that’s my term. But trust me I have been there and done that and been a recipient.
This highlights the price of discipleship. Jesus didn’t say “Follow me and I will lead you through rose gardens.” However, even if he did and you could enjoy the gorgeous sights and fragrances, you still would have to be careful as there are thorns that can draw blood. Instead, he said, “Pick up your cross and follow me.”
If we are seeking an example of true obedience, we have to look no further than Yeshua, Jesus. He was constantly saying, “I am here for my Father’s Will”, “I do what the Father Wills me to”, “I and my Father are one”, “Not my will but Your will be done”. Jesus, out of love and obedience came to this sin filled world. It was not easy even from his very birth. The enemy tried to have him killed as an infant, tried to kill him or make him submit in the wilderness and then ushered him to the cross.
The love Jesus had for this world and us, also forced him to endure thorns that drew blood. Yet he did so with joy in his heart knowing that he was the ultimate Salvation for all of us. The ultimate cancellation of sin and darkness. He chose to make a way for us to have a choice between Life or death. A choice of Sin and darkness or Light and Forgiveness.
Are you at an impasse? Are you struggling with being obedient to God’s nudging or calling? Have you found yourself wondering, “What’s next?” or “I didn’t think I signed up for this?”. My prayer and blessing to you is whatever place you are finding yourself in at the moment, take heart. Jesus said, “in this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.”
That is the faith and hope that we cling to on those unbelievably rough days. The Hope that we long for when we are faced with very difficult decisions and looming questions. It is the joy that we feel, the small spark of warmth growing deep within when we CHOOSE to follow Him and His leading. It’s knowing that when we do, ….well we don’t need to worry about the outcome because God already has it all figured out. So, as I always say, “Buckle up because it is going to be a crazy, wild, scary but fabulously wonderful, beautiful ride, because I know WHO is in the driver seat, with a promise of an eternal destination.”
Shalom Shalom
