I believe one of the biggest challenges of leading others to Christ is the misinterpretation or faulty thinking that living a life with Jesus in it means living a problem free life. If I go to church then my week will go smoothly. If I put money in the offering plate then I will never have financial issues. If I pray to Jesus then he will give me what I want.
Following Jesus does not mean that we will have a problem free life. It does not mean that things will go like we want them to. It doesn’t mean that the struggles and problems of this world will not impact me, or the lives of those I care about.
Following Jesus does not lead to the absence of trouble. Following Jesus leads to peace and hope in the midst of it.
I’m not sure how we ended up with such faulty thinking, but it’s not based on the Word of God. Jesus told his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:23) Jesus didn’t tell his disciples, “Follow me, and your troubles will end,” or, “If you follow me, things will go the way that you want them too.”
Things didn’t work that way for Jesus. While Jesus has the power to change our circumstances – sometimes He doesn’t. While Jesus has the power to move the mountains in our life – sometimes He won’t. While Jesus has the power to meet not only our wants and needs – His focus is on the needs, and often not our wish list. While Jesus has the ability to make things happen right way – often His timing isn’t exactly what we were hoping for.
For some, this is reason to abandon Jesus, or give up on Him. Perhaps they never even give Him a chance.
But friend, for those whose love for Jesus runs deep, so do the roots of their faith. Jesus may not prevent the illness, but Jesus is present in it. Jesus may not prevent the financial problem, but Jesus provides faithfully. Jesus may not prevent the hurt of abandonment or betrayal, but Jesus will not leave us or allow this to be what defines us.
Jesus brings hope in the darkness. Jesus brings forgiveness where it is not deserved. Jesus brings love when we are unlovely. Jesus brings healing where we are wounded. Jesus brings peace in the most turbulent storms.
In this world we will have trouble. We will. It is a part of this life. But with Jesus, the trouble – the hurt – the burdens – become bearable. We are no longer living by our strength. He takes our burdens upon Himself. We live by His strength now in us.
Thank God for such a friend!
Blessings!