How to Turn your Struggle into Celebration!

 

 

In the favorites bar of my browser, I have a link to “The Daily Bible Verse”. I hit it and up pops a single verse for me to remember and think about during the day. Today’s verse:

 

Blessed are those who are persecuted

because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

– Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

 

This presented an odd train of thought. Do you ever read or hear something from the Bible and think “That’s cool, but that doesn’t really apply to me.”?

I mean there are some pretty random things in there. Check this out.

 

 

????? WHAT? ?????

 

So either every word is good, none of it is worthwhile, or we can pick and choose. Hmm.

 

Well, I proceeded to get ready for work, letting the idea roll around in my head.

 

“Blessed are those who are

persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

 

Well, I don’t feel persecuted for my faith. Sure, there are people who roll their eyes behind my back, but I don’t really care about that. It’s not like I worry about concentration camps or hungry lions. Right?

Also, the word “righteousness” felt strange to me. I am the least righteous person on earth. What does any of this have to do with me?

Here is my “lightbulb” moment. The verse doesn’t say that I would be persecuted by people. I have a spiritual enemy.

 

The closer I get to God, the more opposing forces rally against me.

 

 

If you are struggling, it may be because you are doing the right “righteous” things and the devil wants to knock you off that path.

Don’t give up. Don’t sell out. The easy road has less rewards in the end. You are on your way to wonders beyond your imagination. God has wonderful things planned for us. We just have to keep some faith and keep going.

Look at the obstacles in your way, and say “I must be getting closer to something amazing!” The kingdom of heaven is mine.

Have a beautifully victorious day!

I Love you all!

 

p.s. I decided that the Bible is relevant to my life only to the extent that I am willing to open my mind and allow it to speak to me. I’m sure Joash hiding in a bedroom has some important wisdom for me if I really thought about it.