I have been a Christian over thirty years. And after thirty years of trying to live a life that honors God, I find it is the hardest thing I have ever experienced. I have lost jobs. I have lost loved ones. I have lost hope, dreams, and at times felt like my future. All those things have been difficult. But living the Christian life challenges every area of my life every day—how I take care of my body, tend to my relationships, and even plan my time. It is a constant struggle, and only seems to get more difficult with time. Here is why:
- I am constantly at war within myself. (Romans 7:21-25)
- I am constantly defending my beliefs to those around me. (Matthew 10:34-36)
- I am constantly at odds with the world around me. (John 17:14-16)
- I am constantly called to love and forgive. (Matthew 5:44)
Sometimes I get weary. But when I meditate on what Jesus did on the cross—and why—I can put my suffering in perspective. It doesn’t hurt any less, but I am comforted, and my strength is renewed (John 14:16; Isaiah 40:30-31). I remember that there is a greater purpose than my own personal gratification (Acts 2:29-33). I may not always know how I fit in, but God does (Hebrews 4:13).
I praise God (Psalm 100). I celebrate His goodness, and He sees it (Proverbs 15:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13,14). I try to live a life that honors God, and I do it because I know I am His Passion (Romans 5:8).
This Easter, contemplate God’s greater purpose and reflect on how you might fit in.
Romans 15:13, NKJV: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.