Have you ever thought: "God, what you're asking of me is crazy..just down right crazy!"
Well I know I have and I'm sure you have as well. I think the closer you become in your relationship with Christ the more He will ask of you. The larger the task or the greater the sacrifice. But it's our job as Christians to be obedient to every word God speaks to us. Even if it is as simple as "Should I really hangout with that group of people?" Or as big as "Am I ready to leave everything I know behind and move halfway across the world?" Being obedient can be scary, but it will never feel wrong. Paul was obedient to God and ended up in prison. "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12. Living in the U.S., there is no reason for us to be scared to be obedient to Christ. We won't get thrown in prison for preaching the word of God like Paul did. For a man who was in prison for obedience..don't you think he might warn us? Don't you think he might say "learn from my mistakes" ? Nope. Instead Paul encouraged Christians to not only take the same path but to live it out with bold faith. Pauls last words to Timothy were: Press on, stay strong, endure the suffering, and stay true to what you've practiced. The reward is worth it. Paul would know. Paul finished the race strong, not by the worlds standards but by the one who's standard counts - Gods. "Christ himself is the judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead." 2 Timothy 4:1. We must have faith, courage and confidence as Paul had. Because 2 Timothy 4:1 says " For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power love and self-discipline."
We don't have to be scared of what's going to happen: The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. (Billy Graham)
I've constantly gone through "struggles," mainly because of my own stupidity and selfish ways, but even so..I believe that people go through struggles so they can get back to the root of everything. Jesus taking our place on the cross, so that we could live forever in Heaven. It's not about what you're going through, it's about who you belong to. Paul knew he belonged to Christ, no worldly sufferings could stop him from being obedient. We need to have the mind set Paul had.
We will stop at nothing to be obedient to Christ, no matter what the cost. Being obedient may be costly, but I am confident in God's reward. Not only does He reward us, but He is the reward.
