I‘ve recently thought about a few things.
The first, this thought that when we decide to follow Jesus we all of a sudden have an "easy" life. Because we follow Jesus, life is going to be a breeze.
The second thought is Christians (including myself), make following Jesus a complicated thing. We begin to place our focus on things that do not need our focus and in the meantime we forget to keep our hearts in check. We start to miss the truth. Being "a Christian" has become a fashion statement. We have to make Jesus look cool and appealing. I think about the reality scripture describes. Jesus was born in a stable, was a carpenter, rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and then the part where he died the death of a sinner. Jesus didn't charm people into following him. That method is counter to Jesus. The gospel is beautiful in itself so truth doesn't need our help to make the gospel appear pretty. He calls us to partake in the gospel and He uses us to make it known; not to enhance the physicality of Jesus and His Word.
Following Jesus isn't easy but it's simple.
When you are fearful? Run to Jesus.
When you are content? Run to Jesus.
When you are anxious? Run to Jesus.
When you are joyful? Run to Jesus.
Just run to Jesus. No matter the circumstance, no matter "how much" I feel I need him at the moment. I need him, period. I need him every second, every minute, every hour.
Sometimes the simple task of just running to him and surrendering is so difficult for us. I get it! When I am overcome with emotion, I can't think. My emotions begin to cloud my judgement and I shut down. All the while my sweet savior is waiting patiently in all grace, with arms wide open, ready and willing to receive me. Over and over again.
The fact that life is going to be hard is not a secret and the bible doesn't hide this from us.
Jesus promises us that life is going to be hard.
"Count it all joy, brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." -James 1:2
BUT he also promises to be there with us.
" Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." -Isaiah 43:1-3
"Blessed is the man, for when he has remained steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." -James 1:12
"Why?! If God loves us does he want us to suffer?"
- he doesn't want us to suffer; he allows us to endure suffering to understand our desperate need for his strength and to bring sanctification to our lives.
"...but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." - Romans 5:3-5
After all, Jesus suffered. It's not like he can‘t relate to us. And the crazy thing about it, is that he was perfect. Without one flaw. Yet, he died for us.
He gave up his life for us, while we were still sinners.
"for while we were weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person- though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:6-8
If the only truly perfect person that ever walked the earth endured suffering, the worst suffering, for us...
Why in the world do I think I'm exempt?
Even though we will experience trials here on earth, this is not our home. We are sojourners, passer-byes, here for His glory.
Death has been defeated. Choose to live a life of abundance! Living a life with Jesus is a rich life. Full of enduring love and relentless grace.
It's simple as counting one, two, three.
Run to him always. In every situation run to Him. He waits every morning with open arms ready to receive you and lead you. All you need to do is run to him.
Following Jesus isn't easy but it's simple and it is worth it.