I can think of the many times throughout my life, where I have taken a certain way, thinking it was the fastest, or shortest way to a destiny, only to find out that I couldnt have picked a worse route. Ive done this when traveling across the country in my car while looking at a map. Ive done it doing a job before, only to find that it had to be done again. The fastest, and shortest route isnt always the best choice, or the right one.
I remember this to be the case on many occasions while racing in the desert. I would see what I thought to be a preferred line through a section of the racecourse, only to find out that it was unbelievably rough. I would usually continue through with the commitment to endure the hardship of the tougher terrain.
Still, there was nothing sweeter than seeing that finish line and that checker flag, especially when it revealed that I had won! All that previous conditioning, prepared me for the race, and the tougher terrain was handled and conquered. I remember how much my body would hurt because of the suffering that I had put it through, but it all seemed to be worth it once the race was over.
Thats the way it is for us in our Christian walk as well. We all will go through various trials that test us. Some of these trials will put us through our paces for sure. There will be some wed rather not go through, but just like that nasty desert terrain we should stay the course and keep our eyes fixed upon that finish line, and that glorious prize.
You see, walking the path of Christ is going to mean that you will do things completely different than most people in this world. And they will see this, and take note of it. Some will be intrigued and drawn to the Lord through your loving actions, while your doing things differently will intimidate others. Thats because when we do things that are different than the way the world does them we pose a threat to some of those who dont know the Lord. And there will some that will be more apt to slander us and despise us because of this way of living.
The world we live in is dominated by the flesh, and men who are dominated by this flesh are the very ones who dominate this world. Sad to say, but we, my Christian friends, are a minority. We are aliens, because we live after the Spirit instead of the flesh.
Jesus said, Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Mans sake (see Luke 6:22).
That sounds like a rough route to take in our life! Kind of like that desert race route that I use to take. So I guess that we can expect to be a little beat up every now and then as well, both spiritually and physically as we seek to live a life that isnt common.
Jesus said, Blessed are you when men hate you& That word blessed means Happy. So were to be happy when we are hated for living a Christian life. He then goes on to explain it in more detail.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven&Luke 6:23 (NKJV)
So, we should be elated to endure persecution and suffering, knowing that we have a Great reward in Heaven awaiting us.
Hey, were not the only ones whove run this race, and whove been called to run this rough course. Jesus took the same route, and He knows exactly what were going through.
&Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside Gods throne. Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
So Jesus, even in during His hour of suffering and persecution upon the cross, points us to the true finish line that we will experience when get to Heaven.
We dont have to be crucified to know what it is to suffer. But in our suffering, we shouldnt be looking at, or focusing on, the suffering. We should be looking to the finish line, and focusing on our eternal reward awaiting us.
We are here but for a short time, lets use it wisely. When you find yourself off the main path, and on the rough road, ask the Lord, What do you want to do in my life? And then tell Him, Whatever it is Lord, I trust you.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we derive by the verses above with respect to living the Christian life, and enduring suffering because of that choice?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Have you found yourself being segregated because of your beliefs in Jesus?
APPLICATION: Dont make yourself a martyr; be happy and full of joy, because God has a perfect plan. And He is using everything youll go through to shape you into the image of His Son, our Savior.
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