My walk with Christ, although I don't regret a second of it, has been a difficult road to follow. I don't know about yours, maybe it's been all rainbows and butterflies, but mine has been no walk in the park. Following Jesus whole heartedly is difficult and so opposite to our natural flow of life; especially in America. Giving all you have, loving till it hurts, forgiving those who don't deserve it, trusting when you cannot see a way out; true abandonment to Christ isn't for the weak of heart. My journey has been full of ups and downs, difficulties and challenges, hurts and pains; honestly, sometimes it hasn't felt like it is worth it. I've read the Bible, I know being a disciple doesn't promise an easy or care-free life, nor did I expect it. But sometimes when you cannot see the end, in the flesh you want to give up. So often I have wanted to just sink into the "bare minimum" mindset and just go to church and be a good person, then it won't cost you so much. And there have been times where I genuinely didn't see the point in trying anymore. Times where I felt God was far away and no where to be found. Times where I had to sit back and watch other people's dreams come true and not my own. Times of great sacrifice with no reward. Hard times of not understanding and mountains to climb with few valleys. Sometimes it seems pointless and just plain exhausting.
But then I stop and think of heaven. What it will be like to see Him one day. For Him to look at me, smile and say "good job girl; you did it!". I began to think of that this morning in prayer and tears began to pour down my face. I just wept thinking of the great love of the Father and the pure joy it'll be to see His face. The simply truth washes over me yet again that He truly is all I need, and one day it will be worth it all. All the pain, sacrifices, lonely moments, dry seasons, and giving will be all worth it when we get to Him. In comparison to eternity, my problems seem so small and unimportant. For the first time in a very long time, I felt Him wrap His arms around me. His presence was so tangible, all I could do is weep. No matter what we face, or how painful it is, He is truly worth it all. And one day I will know that in a way I cannot even possibly imagine at this present moment. Such splendor, such peace, such love.
I hope you are encouraged today as I was this morning. That God truly is crazy about you, that He cares and that He is worth it all – no matter what you are going through today, it will be worth it.
