It’s not gonna be easy’
2 Timothy 2:3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
Life is tough with unexpected twists and turns, gear up to face the unforeseen things that is sure to come your way. Without being alarmed and flabbergasted, we need to tackle them with God-given wisdom and strength. Let me say it, ‘it’s not gonna be easy’.
Hudson Taylor reached Shanghai, China, March 1, 1854, age 21 years, 10 months old! He was not prepared for the civil war on his doorstep, throwing his first year there into turmoil. Taylor made 18 preaching tours in the vicinity of Shanghai starting in 1855 and was often poorly received by the people, even though he brought with him medical supplies and skills. His eyes were inflamed, he suffered headaches and was simply cold in the climate. His leisure time was consumed with long letters home to parents and sister. Taylor still persisted and did not quit, let me say it again, ‘it’s not gonna be easy’. Amen.
When we relocated to the new State Hyderabad, I came with my helper and my son Joshua who was in class 5 at that time. We spent all the money for the transport, the three of us travelled in second class compartment in train along with a huge marriage group, who were singing and dancing throughout the night. Totally depleted, we reached Hyderabad station, don’t think we had a jubilant crowd waiting to receive us, there was NONE except a dear brother who came to show us direction. Painfully, despite the ordeal the entire night, we carried our own luggage and reached the house that we had already paid advance and arranged. The owner of the house was a believer, I thought I would be delightfully welcomed but he weirdly looked at me and said, ‘this is a very posh locality, you cannot clap hands loudly and conduct meetings.’ He had no compassion that a missionary woman has come alone with her son and maid not because she has got a new job but to do the work of God. We stayed in the new house with very little money, we were not even able to buy milk or vegetables. This tough ‘start’ made me a warrior to handle much more that came our way! Did I not tell you that ‘it’s not gonna be easy’?
Do not forget that we are SOLDIERS in the Lord’s army! Apostle Paul said:” we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope..”(Romans 5:3,4)
Today people are preparing for hassle-free and stress-free life through intelligent and brilliant financial investments like stock market trading, bonds, mutual funds, among other assets, as well as land and purchase of own house. All the above are good; however, not at the cost of compromising on your spiritual growth. Today we hear Christians say, ‘ I have no time for Bible study, early morning prayer or fellowship, I am too busy’, if I say anything more they would send me a ‘stinker reply’ and shut my mouth. Yes, true.
If Spiritual growth does not cost you anything then you are a dead Christian. In order to gain more of Christ, you have to give up other things. Sacrifices are inevitable in our journey with Christ; nevertheless, Jesus is with you in it. Let me say it again, ‘it’s not gonna be easy.’
