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Life can be hard. There are strings of obstacles and challenges that come in and out of our lives at various levels. Some challenges are easier to overcome and then there are some that seem to want to suck the life out of you. Each of us have our own journeys filled with obstacles that we are walking through. But is there triumph after a hard journey or does it just continue to get worse? Read on to find out.
I was someone who had many nights, months, and years of hopelessness. I wasn’t sad everyday, but I had quite a pessimistic outlook on life. I thought that the pathway to getting better was a bit out of my reach and even if I did start walking on it, it was too hard to stay on. In fact the main reason that I found out that I was pessimistic was because the Lord called me pessimistic. That really opened my eyes and sort of wounded me in a way that I wanted to change. I’ve fought hard. I’ve fought depression, anxiety, anger, fear, unbelief, doubt, insecurities, envy, jealousy etc. You name it I’ve fought it and that alone made me feel like the journey was too hard. How long Lord, do I have to keep going through this? Is this what the rest of my life is going to look like? These were my questions that frequently brought me to tears.
Now other people’s journeys may look different.
For example Amy Carmichael, overcame a lot of adversity in her pursuit of her calling. In her earlier years, her lifestyle completely changed after her father passed away. Her family was forced to move away from their life of wealth into a life that most lower class live.
Later, the Lord called her to be a missionary to the people of India and it was no easy journey. She opened an orphanage there and took in many children, rescuing them from tough situations and the idol worship of their families. She triumphed in overcoming the ridicule, persecution, and sacrifice that it takes to lay down your life for the work of the Lord. She has received her victory.
Watch a short cartoon movie about her life here: The Amy Carmichael Story
Read a book written by her based on the love in 1 Corinthians 13: If
A quote from "If" :
"If I can easily discuss the shortcomings
and the sins of any;
if I can speak in a casual way even
of a child's misdoings,
then I know nothing of Calvary love."
Or for a story of someone that most of us are familiar with, Michael Jordan has really triumphed over his journey inspiring many others to follow in his footsteps. Michael Jordan has become the most well known basketball player in the world, with thousands of people still wearing his shoes today. He actually quit playing basketball in 1993 after the tragic death of his father, and announced that he would go and play baseball instead. Now imagine if he had never returned back to basketball. Do you think that we would know him as who he is today? His story of perseverance, dedication, and resilience to bounce back after hard times is a message that clearly shows there is triumph ahead if you don’t stop.
I say all of this to say that if you quit right where you are today, you don’t get to go into your Promised Land- the victory that you need and deserve. If you quit, all of the work and things you have been through so far will have all been in vain. Don’t give the enemy that foothold.
If you give your life to God, this hard journey is not a road that you are traveling on by yourself. He is your Guide, your Shepherd, your Comfort, your Deliverer, and your Waymaker. He will help you to overcome battles that are way too hard for you to face on your own.
As for me, I have seen sweet glimpses of my Promised Land ahead and yet stand in many victories today while I am on my way there.
Stay encouraged in your fight and know that we are all fighting too. But with God your fight is not in vain. He will bring you into a sweet triumph after your hard journey.
Praying for your success!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” - Galatians 6:9
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