Life is hard, isn’t it?
Oh, there are many joyous memories or experiences that we can smile over, but it sure seems the hard outweighs the joys, doesn’t it?
…Or does it?
What if the hard is actually for our good and the good is just the conscience of the hard fulfilled?
Paul David Tripp wrote in his devotional book New Morning Mercies this, and I quote, “I know that, like me, you want the present to be a more comfortable destination, but it isn’t that. It’s an uncomfortable preparation for a comfortable destination.”
Our nature doesn’t like the work, the sweat, the grueling drills that seem to never end. We want the easy, comfortable, none resistant path to success, to godliness, to our own idea of freedom, wealth, life….whatever it is you fill in your blank. But it doesn’t work that way. God doesn’t work that way.
It is not “if” we will face hardships, but when. Hardships will come in our tomorrows as they did in the yesterdays (I know you could name a few or two — I know I can). The days in front of us will have hardships, but our hardship will not last forever. God doesn’t intend them to last forever.
I don’t like to sweat – inwardly and outwardly, but the earlier we learn the truth that sweat isn’t bad the earlier you and I will see that fruitful outcome of the hard.
Sure, there will be moments of comfort, relief, conquering quests and mountaintop experiences – times to rest, heal, retreat – these are all good, but they will be followed by headship.
I must quote once again, “You must face these repeated hardships because the place where you are is NOT your destination. No, it is a place of preparation for the final destination that is to come. Preparation is hard, but you and I aren’t ready, so we need to be made ready for the final place that will be our home.”
P. D. Tripp
This fallen world calls us to say no to feelings of discouragement and yes to whatever pleasure meets our fancy. We are wooed into thinking that the easy is best, that the now gratification (of sin) is what will make us happy, what will please us most, what will bring us whatever it is we are seeking. This fallen world knows how to lure…for a season, it doesn’t have the ability to fulfill forever because it is not our destination.
Whether we like it or not, we are here to prepare for what is to come – our eternal destination. If you do not know where your destination lays, please click here and you can read about eternity.
We are not here to consume it upon our lusts, but rather persevere, grow in Christlikeness, to do the same thing over and over again until it becomes second nature, because we called to walk by faith and not by sight; to live by faith in the One and True God, to believe – to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27). We are called to walk along side (to work with) others who are going through the same hardship, and we are called to submit to the wise commands of our Savior King, Jesus Christ.
- It’s not about us it’s all about Jesus.
- It’s not about us it’s all about eternity.
- It’s not about us it’s all about transformation into His likeness.
- It’s not about us it’s all about His love for mankind.
Today, thank the Lord that He has a home waiting for you and that He loves you enough to use hardship to make you ready for your welcome to your final home.
Your preparation won’t last forever, but your destination has NO end.
Where are you going? What are you doing about it?
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
*excerpts are taken from New Morning Mercies by P.D. Tripp (I totally recommend this book). **Version used Amplified Version. ***Further blog thoughts/notes from Colleen Woodruff.
In Christ I am SHE 