December 6, 2022

“In the Christian life there is great danger in always looking for the easy place, the cozy corner, the comfortable position where there is no hardship, no need for endurance, no demand on self-discipline.” Phillip Keller

Isn’t it funny how easy it is in our Christian walk to try and sidestep the commands and the hard truths of our Savior and King? We try and avoid difficult things such as these words from Jesus:

• “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

• “A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”  John 15:20

• “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!” Luke 6:22

• “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (all verses are from the ESV)

Here at ALERT we endeavor to see each man grow in their Christian maturity, not despite hardship and difficulty, but rather by learning to embrace the hardship of life and the Christian walk. We know that it is precisely here, in hardship and in difficulty, where we learn to lean on our Savior Jesus Christ and His word for our purpose and strength, instead of relying on ourselves. For Christ will never fail us, no matter the hardship He calls us to walk through.