I had asked my oldest son to take a bike ride with me. He was eager to go until we began the trek and he realized that the route we were taking required him to go up a hill to get home.
Where we live, no matter what route we take, we have to go uphill to get back home. It is a three to four block steep climb.
Immediately, he tried to make an alternate plan. Riding just a short distance or down the street and back. The fact that he had gone this way before didn’t help at all. He had felt defeated before we even began.
I told him he could go home and go a different time. His heart was telling him to go, but the road ahead was hard and exhausting.
I understand. I have been in his position many times in my life.
I know with my Christian walk and ministry I have faced the same issues. As a Christian, I am sure you know this journey all too well.
There have been times, I thought following Jesus was supposed to be easy. As long as I was doing what I thought Christ had called me to do, there should have been a free pass or an express lane.
The exact opposite of that has been true. In the past, every time I would begin a new bible study, it seemed my house would fall apart.
I would wonder, am I not doing what God has called me to do? I am going out and ministering to women and here I am, I can’t keep my own life together. I am a mess. And the doubt of getting up the hill began to settle in.
Friends, that is a lie that the enemy wants you to believe. You do not have to be perfect to serve Christ. Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Our perfection is being made through Christ. It is being made through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The battles of the road ahead and the steep inclines can cause us to waiver and retreat if we are not careful. If we try to take the safe road and not the route that is going to make us stronger, we will not learn to persevere and see the victories we have in Christ.
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24
Our task it to tell others the Good News of the Gospel. So on that day that we meet Him face to face, we can rejoice in the race we have finished because of the wonderful grace God has granted us.
I am often reminded when I hear someone, including myself, grumble about the difficulties of the Christian walk of this verse from Matthew.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24
Christ understood that denying of ourselves or turning from our selfish ways had to be the hardest thing we could do because that is exactly what He has called us to do to follow Him.
Being a Christian was never intended to be easy. It was an uphill climb. It was to be a trek to the finish that made us work harder and become stronger.
Feeling stuck at the bottom of the hill?
Don’t lose heart! Now is the time to rejoice! Matthew also tells us: But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13
Climb that hill. Take those steps. Do the tasks you have been called to do until that day…
Victory, my friends, is Ours!
Who we are in Christ, is Victorious!
We can know where the road leads. We can know that in Christ Jesus we are being made complete. Someday, in all of our fullness, this road will be the one that leads us home!
Hallelujah!
I am so glad you are here today.
If you are not sure about your salvation in Christ, please contact me. I would love to have this chat with you. Don’t wait another day. I want you to know the victory and hope that you can have in Jesus!
Please encourage a friend today by sharing this page with them!
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*New To Sitting Among Friends Blog Party*
I am glad to call you, friend! Here is a badge you are welcome to post on your site!
I am going to be sharing a Featured Friend, weekly! I love that so many of you come and share with us every week and I would love to highlight your work! The friend that I have chosen this week is...
(Oh My Goodness, I just realized I left this blank, that's what I get for working until 3 am.) Without further ado...My friend this week is Michelle from Grammie Time. I love visiting Michelle's space because she shares with us her authentic heart. Each week she hosts Party and My Place and I am glad to introduce her to you here. Michelle, I am glad you are here and look forward to your visits every week!
While you're here, sit down with some of my friends.
WOW! I know Summer is busy so I thank you all for coming here and for the 83 Amazing posts. This party has been wonderful and it is thanks to you, friends, who link-up with us and those who stop by and read and SHARE! Thank you!
You all are amazing writers who share DIY's, Recipes, Photos, Giveaways, Homeschool and Family and Faith. Many of you have amazing journeys of faith and I praise the Lord we are able to connect here!
Friends are here to encourage and challenge us in our walk of life, so enjoy!
There are easy share buttons to your left or at the bottom of each post (mobile) and after you link-up. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! From all of us at #SittingAmongFriends
***As of last week, I am no longer pinning to Pinterest, but you are welcome to join me on Pinterest and Pin to Our Sitting Among Friends Blog Party Board where I will be happy to re-pin posts to my other boards. If you missed last weeks email with the details let me know and I can resend it to you. ***
Labels: Acts 20:24, Matthew 16:24, Matthew 24:13, Perseverance, Philippians 1:6, Race to the Finish, We Are Victorious In Christ! Sitting Among Friends Blog Party
Friends, that is a lie that the enemy wants you to believe. You do not have to be perfect to serve Christ. Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 
