Following Jesus doesn't mean your troubles go away, but it brings peace

Photo by Nik Shuliahin

Today was a hard day for me. Actually, the past six months have been unusually tough, including a flood in my house and our family sadly deciding to “rehome” (give away) our dog, among other challenges. Meanwhile, today, many followers of Jesus around the world languish in prisons for their faith. Some are tortured. Some will be killed.

Jesus never promised health, wealth, and happiness in this life as a direct result of following him. As a matter of fact, he warned that hardship may come our way because the world hates him, so it hates those who follow him. He himself suffered and was killed, and most of his closest followers were killed, following his example. That has always been the case from then until now.

And just because we are close to Jesus doesn't mean he keeps us from ordinary suffering. Yes, he may answer our prayers about these things, bringing healing, for example, but he may also allow these hardships to build character in us.

Although suffering comes, what Jesus promises is peace. We hold on to hope in the face of any suffering. As I read in the Bible this morning, when various trials come our way, we can consider it a joy.

What a beautifully upside-down outlook. I don't know what I would do without this hope. I truly understand some of the awful things people do to cope when they do not know Jesus. I'm not sure I could handle what I have managed in recent years without him.

That peace comes with a cost, but Jesus is worth the price to pay.