by Kala Loptien

There will be hard things

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the Sound Cloud link.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
Ephesians 6:10 English Standard Version

My hubby and I decided it was a good idea to run a half marathon in the midst of our move this summer. One of our training routes was along a dirt road east of my home town. We were somewhere around mile four when I noticed this timely sign. I fumbled to find my phone so I could snap a bouncy photo of these cautionary words.

What a warning that was! We hit loose gravel, ruts and washboards — not to mention a relentless hill. The only saving grace about an out-and-back route is the reprieve of the downhill. Ahh, sweet relief.

Our lives are filled with a similar pattern. There are times we are warned of rough roads ahead. We might be well prepared. Hopefully we’ve put on that armor and we’re clinging tightly to the Lord while launching whatever spiritual slingshots available to defeat our giants. On the flip side, we might be completely blindsided–knocked down by the reality of a broken world, imperfect bodies and our sinful condition. It stings and it’s frustrating and, at times, feels unfair. Jesus knows that; and He also warned us it would be so. Remember that armor? What about the ammo? Whether the hardship came with a warning sign or it rudely attacked without a head’s up whatsoever, Jesus cautioned us that we would have trouble. Notice He didn’t say, “there’s a good chance” or “you very well could.” No. He says, “In this world, you will have tribulation.”

We cannot be complacent, for we are told without hesitation to put on the full armor of God daily so we can stand firm. Armed and protected, we will face and persevere the road ahead. We can do hard things (like I tell my daughter) because He is our strength. As you know, Jesus doesn’t end His statement at tribulation. He tells us to take heart, be brave and encouraged. He has overcome the world. Ahh, sweet relief. Thank you, Lord.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado