Day 16/40 This path will not be easy, but the joy will be all the greater

Just as I was about to begin this post, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the chorus of Xavier Naidoo's song.

This path will not be easy, this path will be rocky and hard

You won't agree with much, but this life offers so much more.

Jesus never promised us that our life as faithful followers of Christ would be easy, but I never would have dreamed how rocky and difficult it can be at times.

Soon after I gave my life to Jesus, I felt certain challenges, but they were accompanied by hope and joy. The Bible speaks of persecution and difficulties, but also of God's strength and support. I have come to appreciate both, especially over the past 45 years or so. Our Heavenly Father has repeatedly reminded me of Psalm 37:5 and 37:7a:

Commit your way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will act. Stand still before the Lord and wait patiently for him! (Schl)

I have always tried to follow Jesus. The temptations were great and I had to struggle with so many things. I often became ill, physically and mentally. The death of my first husband and the father of my two children occurred at a very young age. I often felt like Job and was often ready to give up everything, but after a few years Jesus showed me my second husband. This built me up again and gave me new strength. But the enemy has even more temptations and tests in store for me. He wanted to see me give up again and again. Many a time I wanted to give up everything, but Jesus did not let go of me. He did not let up. In 2007 he showed me my second husband.

When I was in my prayers, Jesus was always there for me. He was there when I called. I knew, "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!" (Psalm 121:2). I built my life on that.

A few years ago, a sentence in Philippians 4:13 particularly caught my attention:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Schl)

This verse expresses the certainty that Christians can accomplish all things through Christ. With this verse, I continued to struggle forward. With this verse, I was able to overcome the many illnesses, the attacks of the enemy, but also the times of loneliness and isolation. Jesus was always by my side. He was the faithful bridegroom. Through him, I learned to fully commit myself to God the Father. Jesus showed me the truth. He gave me a new life—a life in God's presence.

I've been able to experience so much with him and the Holy Spirit, and I'm grateful for every stone, every bridge, every fall I've been able to overcome with Jesus, our Messiah. He gave me hope, peace; he gave me his attention, security, and love.

Like Paul, I learned that God's grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in weakness! I, too, want to confess my weakness, for this is precisely how Christ's power dwells in me. And so I bear everything with joy for Christ—the weaknesses, the abuse and deprivation, the persecutions and fears. For I know that it is precisely when I am weak that I am strong. (2 Col 12:9-10) I have learned:

For those who love God, everything that happens works for their good. This applies to all those whom God has chosen for new life according to His plan and will. (Romans 8:28, NIV)

I know that one day we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. How great will be the joy when our Lord, for our faithfulness, our adherence to him, our serving him and following him, takes us in his arms and welcomes us into the Father's house of God. I am already looking forward to being presented with the white stone inscribed with my new name. I would like to be among the overcomers (Revelation 2:17). With this goal in mind, I now take up my relay race and complete the final stretch of the journey, with its final obstacles.

This path will not be easy, but the joy will be all the greater. I encourage you to stay on the path, hold fast to God's Word, keep His commandments, and listen to His voice. Jesus, our King, is coming soon and will start to reign on earth.

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or intimidated, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you are. (Joshua 1:9; NIV)

On top of the mountain