Jesus told His disciples to take up their crosses and follow Him. This is still the requirement for a Christian today. He did not promise us that the walk would be easy but He assures us it will be worth it. Walking in the footsteps of Christ while denying our own flesh is not always easy but it is certainly the path to joy and peace in this life. More importantly than that, we believe it is the path to Heaven.
These things sound easy on Sunday morning when the preacher lays it all out to us. You may even give him an “amen” for his effort. Then you shake his hand on the way out the door and head out into the world, armed for discipleship and ready to wage war on the Devil. Then comes Monday morning, with a fresh set of worries and challenges that set you back spiritually just a bit. By midweek you feel alone in the world, wondering if maybe God even knows you are here. The world seems colder than ever by Friday, and you wonder how you will make it another day.
I know exactly how you feel. These feelings that you have in your daily walk are common to all Christians. I am a deacon, teacher, Sunday School superintendent, father, husband, and a college graduate (B.A. in history, still not sure what to do with that). None of these things give me any authority or insight into how to help you. The one qualification that I have to give you hope and encouragement is that I am simply a sinner saved by grace. I can leave a church service on Sunday morning at the foot of the cross and find myself stuck in the ditch by Monday morning.
A few years ago I read a news article about a government leader that was “peddling unsubstantial hope”. He may have been, that is not for me to decide. I remember thinking then that the world did not need that kind of hope. Times like these call for something bigger than mankind can offer. People need a foundation to build a faith that will last. Christians like you have in your soul the groundwork for all of humanity to obtain eternal life. You and I have Substantial Hope.
I know this calling can be a heavy burden. God knows that too. That is why He put us together, to strengthen and encourage each other. My desire is to help you in your daily walk so that you can be the servant for God’s kingdom that you are called to be. If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, simply enter your name and email below and I will notify you once a week when I post on this blog. Thank you for stopping by and God Bless You!