I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,  and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead… (Philippians 3:10)

It is a good thing that Christ does not show us too much ahead of time. I’m not sure I would have chosen to walk through some things had I known ahead of time. However, there are some things I’ve come to grips with after a few valley seasons.

Suffering will happen.

Suffering is also necessary.

I know that it sounds contrary to many teachings you may have heard, however, when you study the scriptures you will find much suffering. The disciples suffered constantly for following Christ.

They suffered loss. They suffered grief. They suffered persecution.

If I had known that my journey with Christ would cost so much, perhaps, I would not have been brave enough to walk forward with Him. We see Christ letting people know who hard it is to follow Him many times in His Word.

You must understand that following Christ will often require you to “Go against the flow.” It is critical that you, and I, are rooted enough in Jesus that we will stand in the midst of suffering…rather than quit.

As I was listening to the Lord over the weekend, He dropped this little poem in my heart. It is worthy of pondering in your time with Him.

Choose today that no matter what comes you will continue to follow Christ and proclaim His great name to others.

What if the road to many souls

Is paved with mocking stones

What if the path to hurting hearts

Requires walking in the dark.

What if the road is wet with rain

That brings your heart some shame

What if the path is full of plots

A million deaths you count and mark.

What if that road leads to a cross

That never ceases to cost

What if that path is hidden deep

Always requiring you to seek.

What if the road seems not to end

And brings a blistering wind

What if the path is covered in snow

Would you dig to find lost souls?

What if the road is full of thorns

That leaves you tired and torn

What if that path is what it takes

For other hearts to see The Way?

Would you still go?