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Several years ago I moved to a new state. I knew upfront it wouldn’t be easy and boy was I right! Oh, the stories I could tell about the things that went wrong and the trials I faced. Before I left I had people tell me that just because I was following God didn’t mean it would be without trials. I’m sure in their own way they were trying to encourage me, but I didn’t feel encouraged. Here’s the deal I never thought it would be easy. As a matter of fact, I knew it was going to be a struggle. I also knew that as long as I was following God, it would all be ok. Yes, I would have struggles, but God was my strength. Guess what? Every situation ended up fine, not necessarily the way I would have chosen sometimes, but it all worked out.

Obviously my trials didn’t involve an old rugged cross, but the account of Jesus Christ did. No where, in any of the gospels, do I see where Jesus stood and did a cheer because he was going to the cross. Don’t misunderstand, He went willing because of His love for us. There is a big difference is doing something willingly and being exciting about the pain that’s coming. There are women all over the world that have been excited to hold their newborn, but very few will say they were looking forward to the pain of birth.

Isaiah 43 : 1-2
1 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel,
Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

I can’t find a single place in scripture that says you won’t have pain in this life. As a matter of fact I find that you will. My saviour had much pain while living here. Why should I have none? Why do so many people people that claim to be christians repeatedly say things like “pray I don’t have any problems” or “pray this all goes smoothly”. No, boys and girls, how about I pray God’s perfect will for your life? I’ve actually been told by some not to do that to just pray for what they asked. You can image how well that went for them. Seriously, you want me to say “hey God, I understand you have a perfect plan for them, but they think they know better so can you just go ahead and do it their way?” Life is hard, I understand that. I understand we all want things to go smoothly. I get it, really I do, no one wants trials! Seriously, trials are no fun and I want to have fun. I’ll take the trials if it means growing closer to Christ though. Will you?