I Am Persuaded

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor pricipalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

We read these scriptures and even profess them until something hit our lives and then we crumble into a spiritual fetal position because life gets hard.  Yes, life is hard and difficult, but we have The Helper, The Holy Spirit, to get us through the difficult times. 

Those who have gone to other lands on mission trips know first hand how hard life is for the Believers who live in undeveloped nations.  Everything is a trial, but that's everyday life.  It's very difficult for the American who is use to lavish and comfortable living to comprehend how the people can be so excited about God's blessings when all we see is poverty and despair.   We soon learn that they are rich in the things of God and we learn first hand how incredibly spoiled we are.  We think if it's easy to do or to reach then it must be God breathe and if it's difficult, it has to be the Devil.  Actually the opposite is true.  If it's difficult to reach it is usually God's call. 

The men and women in the Bible attained everything through difficult circumstances.  Abraham had to leave his family, which is always heartbreaking, to go to another land (believe me, the journey was brutal) to recieve the blessing.  Joseph had to go to the pit and prison to recieve the blessing.  Jesus had to go to Calvary to birth the Church.  It is not always easy to walk in our Christian call, but it's well worth it. 

Closed doors are an opportunity to watch God's hand open another one if we persevere. The one that He opens will lead to spiritual maturity and our purpose in life.  We will prolong our purpose to destiny by taking easy routes.  We say in our heart, "this path  must not be for me because the road is  blocked," when God will open up a new road just for you if your faith remains.  Roadblocks are a challenge for your faith walk.  When Peter was told by the authorities not to preach in the name of Jesus, he didn't stop; he pressed on.  He knew the consequences, but the assignment was worth the trials and tribulations that he faced for pressing on and preaching Christ.  Peter could boldly say at the end of his ministry that he had finished the race; not looking for an easy way out, but pressing forward in difficult times.

I have heard testimonies from people in the Middle East and far East say that they wanted their belief in Christ to cost them sonething. King David said to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it.  I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing "  2 Samuel 24:24

We in the Western Church want things that are easy to attain whether financially or personally. The easy path is usually not God's path.  A good job cost years of education, a strong spiritual life cost time in study and prayer.  A good life will cost you something.

In the press we have to remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  I pray this word encourages somebody today.

Cynthia Brooks