It's Not Going to Be Easy

Sometimes when it comes to the Christian life, we make a lot of assumptions based on what we think we know from years attending church services and bible studies and such. We add our two cents into peoples need for a Savior and say ridiculous things like "well, I just think that this is how it is. I think it's not going to be easy sometimes."

We think? When did following Christ become about our OPINION versus our OBEDIENCE? I read in John 15:20 "No servant is great than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you." It seems like there is little room for opinion in that statement straight from the mouth of Jesus Himself. This life of following Him IS going to be hard because the world did not receive Him and we are not greater than Him. Therefore, they will not receive us.

I am currently sitting at our church in Canton, Michigan at 4:30 am. As a youth ministry, we are sponsoring a church wide prayer emphasis for a solid week, 24 hours a day. Most people who have been involved in the local church on any level know that prayer related gatherings are the most difficult to get people to show up for. In fact, it's why many churches shy away from these kinds of things.

But I sit here this morning, alone at our church at 4:30 am refusing to be discouraged because it's not my opinion that this is hard. Jesus made it clear that this would be hard! And because I know that this is supposed to be difficult, I will not be surprised when the Enemy attempts to tell me to give up. Rather, I will say "it wasn't easy for Jesus and I am so much less than He is and therefore, this is not going to be easy for me."

When we remove our opinion and begin to live in obedience to the truths of Scripture, our lives are completely transformed. Following Jesus is most certainly not easy. Pursuing a deeper relationship with Him is even harder. Living with a constant hunger for justice, holiness, righteousness and a thirst for HIs Word...it's not going to be easy. But if I commit to live in obedience, my opinion is removed and all of a sudden what was once "not easy" is now a way of life.

A friend of mine emailed me this quote on the eve of this prayer week and it puts it all into perspective. It says, "One can desire revival, talk about revival, expect revival, but not until the Church prays can one experience a divine move of the Holy Ghost."

My opinion means nothing. I choose obedience.

///Bryan, Student Ministries Director///