Let’s get real. There are some people who enter the Christian life thinking it will be all peace, blessings and smooth sailing. I’m here to tell you with the voice of experience that there is inner peace that comes with being a child of God and there are blessings and answered prayers. However, we have an enemy while we are here on Earth and the more we accomplish for God, the more he comes after us with battles and storms for us to face and conquer. There was a song years ago that said, “I beg your pardon! I never promised you a rose garden.” Jesus didn’t promise us another Garden of Eden here on Earth. He didn’t say to take up your bouquet of roses and follow me. What he did say is, “Take up your cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34 and Luke 9:23) Jesus also said, “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
Jesus doesn’t remove the storms and battles from our lives, but he does promise to be with us every step of the way allowing us to experience joy through it all. God didn’t keep Daniel out of the lions’ den; He went in there with him and gave the lions lock jaw until he got out. God didn’t keep Daniel’s three young friends out of the fiery furnace; He went into the flames with them and brought them through it unsinged. He will do the same for you and for me.
Life here is temporary. This is neither our permanent home nor our final destination. No matter how strong the storms and battles Satan brings against us, when we finally cross the finish line there is a paradise that awaits those who keep the faith and persevere. Among my long list of favorite You Tube videos is a song by the Hoppers titled Victory Shall Be Mine. I love the lyrics.
“There’s a battle we’re engaged in. There’s a goal line to be crossed. There’s a weight that must be lifted. There’s a trophy to be won. Though it seems the battle’s raging. Some are falling by my side. I’m gonna run this race with courage ‘til I cross the victory line.
Oh the joy that now awaits me when I reach the other side. I’ll be safe at home with Jesus in his presence so divine. If I hold my peace; let the Lord fight my battles. If I sing and shout; believe and never doubt. It shall be mine! Victory! Victory shall be mine!”