Pain in the Trial
The discovery of what faith looks like is a challenge in our society today. We like the soft sell, soft approach, easy-chair life style all while thinking we are tough. We want to think we are tough, but we don’t live it.
Yet, in life, nothing good and lasting comes without a little pain. You don’t build muscles sitting in the Lazyboy; there is pain involved. You can’t watch Oprah to study for your next school exam, it takes some effort, headache, and studious work; there is pain involved. The slacker at work usually does not get promoted (usually), instead it is the guy who strives to get things done during the day and be a benefit to those around him; there is pain involved. A good marriage is not built on a lack of effort, but exactly the opposite in sacrificing for the one you love and serving her; and yes, there is pain of sorts in this sacrifice.
Could it be when we are building our faith we must sacrifice a little? Could it be when we are serving the Lord, we will have to endure pain? I know you are probably thinking about that verse in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus tells us, “…my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” And, in comparison to the burden of death and Hell, the burden of building our faith is much lighter and far easier.
I mean, let’s face it, you have to pick between two doors labeled: HELL/DAMNATION or JESUS/BUILDING FAITH. If you step through the HELL/DAMNATION door, you might like the little slide you can sit on and take a ride – no effort, even though the fact you are sliding in a downward path may bother you a little. If you step through the JESUS/BUILDING FAITH door, you immediately begin to climb stairs – no escalator or elevator here.
Jesus built the stairs for you – especially for you.
We find encouragement to climb the stairs in James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Perseverance. Perseverance is what builds muscles. Perseverance is what teaches the student for the test. Perseverance is what gets the promotion at work. Perseverance is what builds a good marriage. And, perseverance is what builds our faith.
Are you tough enough to be a Christian?
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Glenn Sasscer
www.glennsasscer.com
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