Many Hardships

"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mark 10:24). "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22b).

We have a fun time in our home with the easy button. Push the easy button and a voice emphatically states, "That was easy." Most of you know that this is a popular ad campaign run by the super office store, Staples.  Of course the intent of the button is to show us how much easier our lives will be if we remember to shop at Staples.

I have considered using this button in my preaching.  When I conclude a point that I feel listeners should have grasped I could merely push the easy button. In order to experience a more interactive participation I could distribute an easy button to each attendee and they could all push it simultaneously, sort of an affirming response to my message similar to collectively saying "Amen!"  Wouldn't that make an interesting church service!  (It might be a bit distracting as well.)

Of course I am teasing but the easy button has got me to pondering.  We live in a time when easy is valued, expected and even an entitlement to many. We strive to do whatever is needed to make life easier, whether it’s our chores, our jobs, our relationships, or physical exercise; in other words whatever takes physical, mental, or emotional exertion on our part.  This mentality can spill over into the spiritual as well and rather than considering the harder demands of Biblical discipleship we may tend to look for the easy way. When facing a call that may be hard or require great sacrifice we may choose an easier solution.

John and Esther Spurrier have served as missionaries in Zambia, Africa since the mid-seventies. John is a medical doctor who serves at Macha hospital in Zambia where he seeks to compassionately minister to the sick and needy. Yesterday he and Esther shared about their ministry in Zambia during our worship service.  The power point presentation gripped our hearts as they featured photos of the sick, weak and dying they minister to daily. They issued a strong and convicting challenge to the congregation to respond to the voice of the Lord who says, “Whom shall I send and who shall go for us?”  Like Isaiah, our response should be, "Here am I.  Send me."

Is there an "easy button" in the Christian life?  Many of us would say, "If so, I sure want to find it."

In the first daily text are the very words of Jesus, but a portion I really doubt if too many have memorized.  He's teaching His disciples: "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!" 

In the second text Paul and Barnabas are on their first missionary journey and are returning to some of the cities where they had earlier established churches.  Their basic message to these young churches is summed up in this phrase: "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith" (Acts 14:22a).

But Luke sums up the essence of their verbal message in a single phrase, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22b).  This portion bears careful attention in an age when the call to follow Christ is often presented to unbelievers as “simple" or “easy.” We might not be too comfortable sharing the above verse with those we are seeking to lead to Christ!

Notice the part "you must go through." This hard reality seems to be an acknowledgement that there is no easy button in life. Testings of all kinds are present from our childhood to the final breath we draw in this life.  Thankfully, during our times of hardships, we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

I am sure some of you today are "going through many hardships."  You wonder how the particular matter you are dealing with is going to work out.  You sure would like to find that "easy button." 

My fellow believer let me encourage you today.  God is faithful!  He will make a way.  It may not be the way we would prefer, and it may not be easy, but we have a promise of entry into the kingdom of God and His promises are absolutely sure.  Let this truth encourage you today. 

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer:  Father, though I am called to go through many hardships, there isn’t one that I face alone.  For in my weakness You are made strong, in my folly You are the God of infinite wisdom, and in my fear I take hold of the hope You offer to me which is firm and secure.  You will not abandon the work of Your hands but fulfill Your purpose for me as You strengthen, sustain, and instruct me during times of testing. I do not want to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.  Keep me faithful to the end.  In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.

See Hebrews 6:12, 19

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.