A Road Less Traveled

I've been thinking a lot lately about my walk with God. You see I always thought that it would get easier as I grew in my relationship with God, but here I am more than 10 years in and I'm realizing that might never be the case.

Now don't get me wrong, I love my life with God, but it's not always easy. Sure coming to Jesus and getting 'saved' was pretty easy and it was designed to be, but the journey, while full of immeasurable treasures, is not so simple. The older I get the more convinced I become that the journey isn't supposed to be easy, especially if you're in ministry.

 You see God's main goal for us as our Father in Heaven isn't that we are comfortable or happy; it's that we are mature and strong and lead full, meaningful lives. Yes, there are moments of comfort and happiness but the real joy usually comes on the other side of discomfort.

Last night I read the verse below. Many of you would recognize it in the NIV version as the 'narrow gate' verse but when I read it in the Message paraphrase it really added a level for me:
13 "Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do.14 The way to life-to God!-is vigorous and requires total attention. Matthew 7:13& 14

Everywhere you look in the world there's some formula for fulfillment or some god that promises to make you happy. We eagerly latch on to these counterfeits as a society because we are thirsty for a happiness that can only be found in the pain of the Cross and the pursuit of a God-driven life. 

Once we profess Jesus with our lips God doesn't call us to sit on our butts and stare at the sky; He calls us to proclaim Jesus to the world and to let our hearts become deeply rooted in His love and truth. That, my friends, is a lifetime path to fulfillment and joy beyond measure.

 It may not be the easiest path, but I can't imagine going any other way. 

My challenge to you this week is don't look for the easy, comfortable path; look for the rocky, winding, scary looking road and take it fearlessly. As a friend of mine said a few weeks ago- "do hard things."