Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
C.T. Studd
I remember when I had four children under the age of eight that it was difficult to be mindful that I was in the midst of the greatest ministry work of my life.
And yet today, the one thing I relish (and miss) most is the sweet gift of those seemingly endless, exhausting days.
Today I serve as part of a worldwide Bible study. As I listen to the hardships other leaders are enduring in China, Ghana, Kazakhstan and other places, I often hear echoes of that same struggle to find joy and purpose in the daily grind.
I heard a speaker recently share a message based on his mission work in the Himalayas, and one of the questions he asked stuck like an arrow in my heart:
“Are you going to choose comfort or the cross?”
David Platt, McLean Bible Church
If I’m being honest, on most days of my life I’ve chosen comfort, hands down. But God makes it clear that we can’t serve him well from the comfort of our living room couches. And conversely, one sure way to know you’re in God’s will is when life becomes difficult; when you face opposition, difficulty and persecution with the joy that only faith provides.
Where is God asking you to serve? Are you living into that call wholeheartedly or half-heartedly? Regardless of your answer today, hear this encouragement from Paul:
…My dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (MSG)
Faith Runner 
Thank you too Nanette. All these submissions go a long way in reaching lives we never thought we would impact otherwise….every post, every comment is making a difference to someone, somewhere. I encourage you to continue the faith run. Jesus is awaiting at the finish line.
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What a sweet encouragement Sophia thank you
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I have the privilege of going to Mclean Bible Church on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Most times, I am blessed to see and hear David Platt. We sell our baked goods there once a month as part of our Mission Muffins workforce development program. I love David’s passion and the fact that he constantly challenges those within the sound of his voice with some really tough questions, like the one you quoted. David causes many of us to squirm a little sometimes.
Paul David Tripp wrote about God’s grace in the preface of “My Heart Cries Out.” He writes: “We look for grace to relieve and release us, and sometimes it does, but God’s grace regularly comes to us in uncomfortable forms. God’s grace causes us to face things in ourselves that are hard to see, consider, accept, and confess.”
“I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden.” But even if He did, it is important we all remember that there are many thorns in the beauty of that garden.
I choose the cross, and I choose His grace. My comfort comes from knowing Him.
As always, thanks, Nanette.
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His story was so powerful! Thanks for sharing Tony
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well expressed thoughts Tony. So much to learn from what you shared.
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