Justin and I recently read a marriage devotion that whined about how marriage is difficult. I have loved all the devotions in the book until we read that one. I didn't comment while he read it to me even though I disagreed with many of the things the author said and quoted. As soon as Justin finished, he said, "That was my least favorite in this book." As we talked, I realized we were thinking the same thing throughout the reading: "Of course marriage is hard, life is hard."
People complain that being married is hard, being single is hard, being unemployed is hard, working is hard, going to school is hard, parenting is hard, trying to get pregnant is hard, being pregnant is hard, finding friends is hard, keeping friends is hard, and so forth. Believers know that being a Christian brings its own set of difficulties, too. In fact, I can't think of one single part of life worth having that isn't difficult at times, yet so many of those things bring its own set of rewards. For example, even though marriage is difficult, people still do it. Some people do it much more than once! Our jobs might be hard, but receiving that paycheck is not. As Christians, we will suffer for Christ and face difficulties in this life because of the choices we make to honor and glorify Him. Conversely, we will not suffer in the life to come and will be rewarded for our efforts on this earth.
The Bible tells us to strive to enter the narrow door (Luke 13:24). If we accepted Christ just to make our lives strife-less, then we really didn't accept Christ. Repentance is hard. Leaving everything at the feet of Jesus and daily dying to self require much discipline, sacrifice, and STRIFE.
Why am I writing about such a seemingly pessimistic topic? To encourage you. Whatever difficulty you are facing, it's normal. It's part of this hard life. Most of all, the challenge you face will be worth the tough days because He's teaching, molding, and making you into the person He wants you to be through those difficulties. And don't forget that whatever temporary reward you receive here for striving pales compared to the reward waiting for you in the life to come. Therefore, we must keep heart through our struggles and avoid needless pity parties or isolating thoughts. Striving through life just makes us like every other human, yet as children of God, we have hope, joy, peace, and love along with rewards to great to imagine waiting in Heaven; therefore, life in Christ was, is, and will be worth the strife.
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