Walking with Christ is a Difficult Path
Personally I attest to this reality, but I have come to realize that walking with Christ is a difficult path. In contrast to the popular, yet unrealistic view of Christians as a happy-go-lucky tribe of hippies, Christians face the same issues as the rest of the world. But as Christians we believe and are witnesses to the fact that God helps us through our afflictions. He helps us to face our problems, to no longer live in fear, and to learn from our difficulties. St. Paul speaks of this truth in his letter to the Romans:
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access [by faith] to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not dissapoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” ~ Romans 5:1-5
I have reflected on this passage and the idea it supports. God is always at work within us. Although at times we are unable to see or feel His presence, through our faith we know that our life is in His hands. Now this doesn’t mean that we are His puppets, for we have been given the free will to do as we wish. A man I was on retreat with recently brought about the point that everything good in our lives are a result of God, but for everything bad only we ourselves are to blame. Most of the time we don’t realize God’s actions in our lives, but as Christians we look back and see His hand at work.
After accepting God’s call, our faith is often tested. The story of Job is a perfect example of this test. We may refer to it as Satan, the force of evil, or even bad luck, but either way we must depend on the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I believe that God allows us to be tested, to suffer, to struggle, and to feel pain, in order for us to mature spiritually. It is necessary so that we may come closer to Him. He loves us too much not to allow us to grow. He knows our limits and just when we think we cannot go on any further, He proves to us that we can. St. Paul has no problem articulating this point and he does so many times throughout his writings.
“No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
So my brothers and sisters in Christ, forget not your Father. Trust in Him and put your faith in Him. A father always wants what is best for his children, and so our Father wants for us. Jesus gave His life so that we would have access to the Father and only with Him do we walk in faith.