Session 26

Isn’t following Jesus supposed to be easy?

From Chasing Purpose: A 27-Day Devotional

Have you ever bought a piece of furniture or a new toy, and thought, “This shouldn’t take long to put together.” But then you open it and what falls out is a million tiny pieces with an encyclopedia for an instruction manual?

Many people approach following Jesus the same way. We enter a friendship with God thinking if we follow a few simple steps, everything will fall into place. But after a little while, we realize the truth: Following Jesus is not always easy.

Paul knew this better than anyone. He traveled over the Mediterranean preaching the good news about Jesus’ resurrection. All along the way, Paul was persecuted, questioned, and falsely accused.

Even the Corinthians, a church that knew Paul well, questioned his intentions when he changed his plans. Ever felt like no matter what you do someone is going to be upset with you? Paul’s been there.

Maybe you relate more to the Corinthian church, a group of people struggling with sin and living in a world that encourages everything but following Jesus. There’s no getting by on your parents’ faith because everyone is either new to Chrisitanity or violently opposed to it.

Sometimes, God allows us to experience more than we can handle because it’s in those moments that we experience His faithfulness most clearly.

God has established you, anointed you, and put His seal on you, giving you His Spirit as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). A guarantee of what? A guarantee that He will fulfill His promises.

Every promise God has ever made, every promise in the Bible is for you because of Jesus. Life on earth is not easy. But you will never face difficulties alone. God is with us every step of the way, and He’s given us His Word, the Bible, to guide us every day.


Reflect:

• What’s one way that following Jesus has not been easy? What have you learned about God through that?
  
• Read Exodus 6:6-8. God makes several promises in those verses. How have you seen those promises come true in your life?
  
• Is there any promise you’re waiting to see fulfilled? What’s one way you can draw near to God in the waiting?