So I've realized over the past week or so a great fallacy in my beliefs. I have been praying for God's rule an reign to come into different areas of my life thinking, "If I do it God's way, it will be easier." AKA, All the pieces will fall into place, there will be smooth sailing, I will live in a bubble of blessing, etc. But looking at scripture I see the opposite. Abraham listened to God and left everything he knew to wander about till he found there God wanted him to go. He faced many instances where it seemed God had abandoned him all together. Moses listened to God and talked to Pharaoh who didn't let his people go. (Not at first anyway.) And then he got stuck between an army and the sea. And then dealt with his people groaning and complaining about him and refusing to go where he tried to lead them. In the end he spent the rest of his life, wandering around in the desert. Jeremiah was thrown into a well. Many of the prophets were ignored, ridiculed, and hunted down. All the disciples were killed violently (except John who was exiled.) I can see why some people have a hard time with this "all in" concept. Our recruitment posters (if honest) aren't on the surface that enticing. "Join us and you're sure to struggle, be misunderstood, go without, be harassed, and possibly killed!" This is a far cry from the prosperity preaching that is so popular.
Now all of that isn't to say following God isn't worth it. It is! But if we go into it expecting Him to make our lives easier then we are in for a world of disillusionment. It's not as if we get some magical draft that makes everyone like us and want to do good things for us. There is, however, a perk (I guess you could call it) to following God. I discovered it quite by accident when talking with a friend the other day. If I follow God, I may lose everything--my job, my home, my friends--but I would still have God. If I don't follow God, I may still lose everything--my job, my home, my friends--and I'll be left with nothing. The problem is, so often, I think I'm in control of what I gain or lose, but I'm not. And I'd rather lose everything and have God there to support and provide for me, than to lose everything and be left on my own. "We are pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed." --2 Cor 4:8. "Though sorrow may last the night, His joy comes in the morning." --Psalm 30:5
So following God my not lead me into a life of ease, but trusting Him can lead me into a life of peace. One where I can stand, even in the midst of the raging storm knowing it's going to be alright.
