Easy Isn’t The Goal.

Easy isn’t the goal.

We are all human and often we look for the easy way out in situations.  Why not? If there is an easy solution, why not take advantage of it? Right?

Well, serving the Lord isn’t always easy.  As a matter of fact, sometimes it’s downright hard. The modern gospel doesn’t usually present it in that way, but it’s still true.

Jesus said that the world would hate us, because it hated Him first.  The Bible makes it clear that those who live Godly, in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Persecution is an ugly, hard word. I don’t even like the implications! My carnal man wants things to be nice and comfortable, and 'easy' plays right into that. So, easy is what I want!

Some things are easy, and I’m thankful that God designed them that way.  It’s easy for us to have relationship with God, because Christ Jesus already did the hard stuff at Calvary when He died as a substitutionary sacrifice for my sin, and yours .  He has even given each of us a measure of faith, to allow us to believe. Our faith in Him for salvation and relationship, is a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  It’s easy for us to know Him, if we will just allow that faith to come alive.

Sometimes, though, doing or saying the right things isn’t so easy. Sometimes operating in our calling isn’t easy.  Sometimes living holy in the midst of temptation isn’t easy. Neither is getting out of our recliner to go out into the world to witness of Him. These things aren’t easy because our flesh is too dominate and it causes our spirit man to have a difficult time following the ways of God.

It’s hard to say "no" to peer pressure. It’s difficult to give people a biblical answer that goes against what they wants to hear.  It’s uncomfortable to stand for Christ in a culture that celebrates sin. Let’s face it, it isn’t always easy to do the right thing.

It’s never easy to tell someone that according to the Word of God, they have to forgive that person who hurt them terribly… and it’s even harder to live it yourself. It isn’t easy for us to hold our tongue and let God vindicate us when someone is speaking falsehood against us. It’s not a simple thing to overlook offense, or to control our anger, or to bridle our tongue, or to repent if we’ve done wrong… but these things please God.

There are lots of things that are difficult when trying to serve the Lord in a God pleasing manner…But after all, easy isn’t the goal: Christ-likeness is.

Lindsey ❤️

This post is different. It is directed to one person, my oldest daughter Lindsey Rae, but I don't mind if you read it too.

Lindsey, I'm very proud of you. You are a great Godly example to others. The last few days, weeks, months, that example has shined! I love you and I am very proud of the young woman you have become.

I've seen your last two posts on Facebook, the blog you wrote and the other one you shared and I wanted to tell you something...

Somewhere there is a young man who can hardly wait to meet you. He is a great guy who loves the Lord, like you do. He knows about honor and respect and long term love and commitment like you have seen exampled, because he's witnessed it too. He's probably good looking, even if a little skinny (lol). And he will give you a lifetime of love and happiness and together you will serve the Lord side by side. 

He's waiting too. Waiting for that young woman who has kept herself for him. I don't know where he lives, or what his name is. I don't know if he comes from a family with money or one who works hard for every penny. I don't know if is eyes are blue or green or brown or something else, but I know his eyes are on God, I know he will take care of you and I know he will be a good provider. I know that he will treat you like the lady you are. I know that even on days when he's getting on your nerves, you will be sure of your love for him.

I know these things, (except the skinny part) because your momma and I have been praying for him since he was a just little boy. See we started praying for your future husband while you were a just little girl (just as we also do for Lauren's future husband). 

He's headed your way now, and probably doesn't even know it. He will get here in God's timing. Perhaps soon or maybe in still a little while, your lives will intersect, and then run parallel, and finally merge to become one. 

I know how hard it is to be alone, waiting, because I had to wait on your momma.  I also know it's worth it.  Don't worry, the wait isn't too long.  :-)