For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

In light of what has been happening in our country, in our world, and in my own family, I have been inspired to share the love of Jesus even more. I believe what breaks His heart the most is the refusal of His children. He loves each and every one of us and gives us all a chance to love Him. Imagine your child, your son or daughter, how much do you desire a relationship with them? He desires that so much more. When we hurt, He hurts. When we turn away, He hurts more. Most of the time, our turning away creates more pain for ourselves and the ones we love. Maybe not at first. We think we have it all together with our stubbornness and pride. But our Lord is always waiting for us to return to Him, no matter how long it takes.

Some do seem to have a life of ease…with no God. Their god is the world, or themselves. Sometimes idols came come in the form of good things. Healthy things. The only problem with that is, in the end, nothing is left but our souls. Do we desire to live for the world, or for our Heavenly Father, whom we can spend an eternity with…if we accept Jesus as our One and Only Savior?

A true desire to live for and please God comes at a cost. The enemy of this world knows this. He tries to get us to take the easy way out, time and time again. This can even look like the best option at times. Take the job that makes more money. Go to a better school. Choose where your heart guides you. Rely on your feelings. All seem to be the way we have lived for years. Until we let Jesus in. Fully and completely. Then He becomes our path. Our choices should be based on His Word.

The hardest thing to do it love others when they have hurt us. Forgive when wronged. Choosing integrity over a life of ease. Speaking Truth. Loving the unlovable. Not giving up, when giving up seems to be the only way.

Simplicity is not always simple. It can be challenging. The world tells us to strive for more and more. Choosing to live for Jesus takes more courage and faith than some of us are willing to accept.

“¹² For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” 1 Corinthians 1:12 NKJV

I am not at all saying I always live this way. Remember, it’s difficult to fully follow Jesus. But I do strive to live by His Way. I will choose His Way over and over again, no matter how many times I fail.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV