Romans 5:1-5
Following Jesus is hard. Whether sharing the gospel in an unfamiliar culture, loving a difficult co-worker, teaching a Kids Sunday School class, or even working on a church staff… serving God can be hard.
Do any of these resonate with you?
As a school teacher, I’ve stood for truth when students cheated, and parents wanted me to bend the rules.
I’ve stood for truth when a co-worker was acting against Scripture—even when I wasn’t fully believed.
I’ve seen money that was given to the Lord used for personal gain.
I’ve watched well-intentioned people be misunderstood and undervalued. I’ve felt the same.
I’ve known the truth, but had to keep it close for the sake of the whole.
I’ve poured my energy into an event only to receive complaints about insignificant details.
I’ve watched friends leave.
I’ve cried with people grieving a loved one or a broken relationship.
I’ve received hurtful words when all I could do was listen, knowing that it came from a place of “stuckness.” Hurt people hurt people.
I’ve received criticism, then had my eyes opened to see it as an opportunity to grow.
I didn’t get the job I thought I wanted… then realized God was preparing me for something better.
I’ve asked for answers, and instead grown in patience.
I’ve watched dreams fade… then saw God start to reveal a new dream… and new hope. Paul talks about this hope in Romans 5:3-5: “There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!”
Following Jesus is not easy, but if we are willing, growth will happen. Author Tod Bolsinger, in his book Tempered Resilience, says, “A teachable learning mindset leads to a greater capacity for staying in a difficult position,… because there is an inherent assurance that if all else fails this trial will—if nothing else—lead to further growth.”
What trials have you faced in serving Jesus? Ask God to give you eyes to see how He has or will use those difficulties to produce growth. He will!
Lynette Fuson
Care & Counseling Director