Strength is Evident in the Crisis

 It's the normal assumption that good deeds should be rewarded: Going to college should get you a good job, being respectful should earn you respect, showing yourself friendly should earn you lots of friends. In some cases, this is true. But spiritually thinking, it's honestly when we are doing what is right when wrong comes to pay us a visit! This is why, more and more, we are hearing the buzz that Christianity "doesn't work". No body wants to endure unpleasantries or discomfort. We want a quick fix and the least amount of effort, difficulty or struggle in our lives.  If something seems laborious or tedious, we try to avoid it. It is a debilitating mistake to assume that being  christian means that only blessings lay in store for you and I honestly blame the pulpit. There are so many messages being spewed from sanctuaries that following Christ results in financial abundance, opportunity and continuous prosperity in every endeavor one would seek to pursue. But when we look to scripture, we see that this is simply not the case. Giving our hearts to Jesus is like signing our name for warfare. From the start, we automatically have the victory, in Christ, but my sister, understand there will be hard times ahead.

As a result of the disciples following Jesus, they lost their social standing, their homes, their families and their wealth. Peter, James and John lost their fishing career, Paul lost his political status, Mary lost her good reputation and John the Baptist lost his head! But see, they knew that greater glory was worth the risk. It is my passion not to fall prey to the misconception that problems disappear once I follow Jesus because if I am only following Jesus for what I think I can get out of it, then that is not true Christianity; that is not true devotion.
In our earthy relationships, we are taught to date people who can make us happy, meet our needs, show us a good time and make us feel good about ourselves. And sadly, this perspective has crept into the church, where we then have projected this same expectation on Christ: "If I serve God then He has to bless me and give me the desires of my heart and lead me into my purpose and give me favor and keep me on the mountain top and make a way out of no way for me..."!
My loves, if God does nothing else but just pour His grace and mercy on us, that is more than enough! We must check the motives of our hearts and remember that Jesus suffered for our sakes... is it too much that He expects our willingness to do the same for Him? And if that time ever comes, do we love Him enough to be strong and courageous throughout the storm? Or will we jump ship when the boat feels too rocky? Are we equipping ourselves to fight through faith? Are we strong soldiers or simply spiritual civilians on the sidelines?

It has always been my personal belief that strength is evident in the crisis, not in the oasis. Yes, we

can feel uplifted in church, when the choir sings our song, but what happens in the real life situations? Are we prepared to stand firm in the midst of the fire? Do we posses the courage we need to combat our struggles and win the battles that each day has in store for us? We can declare all we want, but the truth of our hearts beam brightest in the dark.
I am reminded of what my father has always told me, "the mark of a strong relationship is in the arguments. You don't know what type of man you are dealing with until he becomes angry. The actions, words, and attitude that he displays in his anger is the true refection of what is already in his heart". So, the first argument I had with my boyfriend (now husband), he still held my hand and he still opened my door for me; he still kissed me good night and he still said, "Ill call you tomorrow". He was pissed, but still showed love. He could have said, "look, I'm not trying to deal with all of this". He could have jumped ship, especially because that particular argument was my fault! But, he showed strength and courage. It's easier to walk away, because walking away doesn't require any work. In fact, it is selfish and self is only interested in what is minimal effort. Self is seeking the blessing, but not the effort. Self is only wanting what is pleasing to me- never mind you, until I am satisfied. Sadly, we have been so accustomed to holding others in this regard, that it begins to pour out into our relationship with Christ. Instead of fighting for our faith, we walk away in pursuit of our comfort. We can spiritually choose to go A-wall on our salvation because, it's easier. But we have not been called to an easy life in Christ. We have been called to a victorious life! The temptations and distractions of this world seem immense. At times, it doesn't even look possible that we can overcome the trials that so many of us face, but greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4)!

We don't want to suffer or wait. We don't want to practice patience or the integrity that is produced in difficult times. We don't want to be inconvenienced. But all of that is necessary if we ever hope to experience the glory that awaits in Christ! It's easy to do things the easy way, but the results of easy are never long lasting. To walk in purity and truth, kindness and forgiveness, patience and graciousness, in the midst of chaos and unpleasantries... this is true strength and undeniable courage! It is the call of each Christian, as she lives out her daily life and makes her life choices: Do I press on in this storm maintaining the likeness of Christ, or do I find an easy way out and avoid the difficulties?

Self preservation will always be the death of us! It will kill our opportunities to shine like Jesus! It will destroy the seed that God is growing in you and will close the door to the destination of your purpose and calling. Every struggle, trial, dilemma and hardship we endure when we choose to do what pleases the Lord makes us stronger in this life and prepares us for the next. Remember, all suffering is seasonal. It doesn't last forever, but the glory and the rewards that await are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17)! Each season sets our path for the next journey, but through it all, God is there. He is preparing, pruning, growing and digging up all that He desires for us. He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5)! In order for the flowers to grow, the earth must first be broken. The soil must be turned over, so that the roots will grow deep and produce the garden. But if the earth is unwilling to go through it's season of brokenness, then it will never have the opportunity to display any beauty.
There is so much beauty that God wants to produce in you! But you and I cannot be afraid to sojourn through the war. This is where His word has the platform to truly ring in our hearts and produce the choices, decisions and reactions that are necessary to give Him the Glory- ultimately blessing us in the process! We cannot be afraid to fight in the battle, because we have already won the victory, and freedom is ours, in Christ!

"Thanks be to God! He has given us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ!" ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57

Be Strong and Courageous! Don't avoid the trials or the storm. God is growing a garden and wants to put you on display! Your victory is in Jesus and through Him, you are a champion!

Stay strong, my sisters! And Happy Independence day to you all!
~Pearls