Life is Opposed

Why is it hard to get out of bed in the mornings? Why is it hard to stay in shape? Why do we have to toil in our jobs- Even many times in good jobs? Why do we struggle in relationships?

Why can't Life just be................ Easy?

I think for me one of the great traps of the enemy I have fallen into is the notion that as a Christian my life should be easy. Even as I write that last line the Holy Spirit brings into my mind the absurdity of the thought. How did I ever get the idea that if I just did the right things- You know- Daily Devotionals, Church, Tithe, Treat others well...........and on and on........ I would somehow be guaranteed this easy, happy, care free life? I think of Jesus warning- "In this world you will have trouble" I think of the Call to Be Strong in the Lord- To Put on the Full Armor of God- To Stand Firm- To be Strong and Courageous.

Guess what Charles- Courage and Strength are not needed for a life of ease!

Oh now don't get me wrong-

I have not resigned myself to a life of misery-

I have not given up on the Abundant Life Jesus has won for me-

But.................

I think I finally may be realizing

I am going to have to fight for the Life I long for.

Maybe the fight itself is a part of the Abundant Life.

It is a Worthy Battle-

A Transcendent Cause He has brought us into.

God has not saved us so that we may retire to a life of ease-

God has saved us so that we can join the Battle.

Love is opposed-

Life is opposed-

The Kingdom of God in this World is opposed-

Ah, but the Gospel-

Christ has Overcome-

Take Heart- Christ has Overcome

Romans 8:11 And as the Spirit of Him Who raised Jesus from the dead is living in us-

That same God who raised Christ from the dead will also give Life to our mortal bodies through His Spirit Who Lives in us.

In the words of Eldredge-

There is an Adventure to live guys-

There is a Battle to fight-

There is a Beauty to rescue-

A Kingdom to be Restored-

Let's stay in the fight!

Father in Heaven, Lord Jesus, Spirit of the Living God-

Come to life in us today to be Strong and Courageous-

To Stand Firm-

To Love Well-

To Rise Up in the place you have put us-

To take ground for Your Kingdom.

All Praise be to You our Captain and our King.

Amen