How does one become great at something?  If you look at athletes, they have practiced their whole lives, they have trained their bodies through exercise, diet, and repetition, to be the best at what they do.  Likewise, if you look at any other profession, much schooling has taken place prior to current job, certifications may have been obtained, and there is ongoing education.  Why?  Why did Jesus have to suffer on the cross, but did it for the joy set before Him? (Heb 12:2)  Could it be that God is revealing to us his purpose in salvation?  That we are to bring glory to God – not through prosperity with joy, primarily, but rather suffering with joy?

When you wake up in the morning, and you’re making a decision of whether to throw your legs over the side of bed, get up, and read your Bible, or whether to keep your legs toasty warm and roll over for another 30 minutes of sleep; which is easier?  If you said option number 1, I want to meet you, because I want to know what you’re eating, so I can switch.  No, there are always going to be options that are easier for our flesh to enter into, rather than pursuing an option that leads to discomfort, but will provide joy.  It’s always going to be easier to go to a movie than to pick up a book on theology, it’s always going to be easier to go out with your friends than it is to spend time serving others, it’s always going to be easier to buy yourself something new rather than giving money away for God’s Kingdom.  So why do we pursue the harder path?

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

We pursue the harder path in Fath.  Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Through faith, we believe that we have a greater possession in Jesus Christ, and what the world sees as futility, we see as preparing ourselves for the weight of glory that is to be revealed to us.  Through faith, we believe that when we pray, when we are in the Word, that God is with us, helping us, conforming us into His image.  Through faith, we are able to joyfully proclaim that whatever is loss to us in the world is gain, through Jesus Christ.  My encouragement to you is Colossians 3:2-4 – “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Grace and Peace,
Adam