The Stuff That Gets Us to Heaven

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m not fond of the hard times. Storms. Tests. Trials. Disappointments. Stress. You know what I’m talking about? That stuff which tries you and shakes your faith at times, the stuff which makes you look up to the sky and ask, “Where are you, God?” You know, the stuff we’d rather run and hide from than to wade through. Yeah, that’s me. You too?!

I suppose it’s just human nature not to want to deal with difficulties. After all, God created a perfect world for us to live in. So, I suppose that’s what He made us to long for - although we’re definitely not getting it on this side of the pearly gates. Sorry if that disappoints you, friend. 

While I was reading, this verse stood out to me, or should I say jumped off the page and into my heart? I’ve just been feasting on it since. 

“Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds...because you KNOW that the testing of your faith produces perseverance...”

Stay with me! I know you might be ready to shut this page down right about now, but hear me out, please. 

We none like the pain and suffering that trials bring, but that’s what will get us into Heaven. 

I know it isn’t “joyful” as the world defines joy, but there is a certain joy in knowing that every bump in the road is working for our good. True, it doesn’t feel like it at the time, but it is true just the same if we believe and obey the Word. 

Every time we need to reach down deep and pull out some extra grit and determination, we can thank our previous tests and trials for providing that bout of faith and will to persevere. 

Without going through the muck and mire, we’ll be less likely to walk on gold. 

Every time we meet a storm, when we’re slammed with disappointments and distractions, let us remember this is what perseverance is made of. Yeah, maybe we’ll even get some gray hairs from it too, but when we have to continue to walk by nothing but faith, trusting in God, we’re growing spiritual grit. And joy. 

I think it was Paul who referred to running this race and about who wins in the end.  It’s not for the one who never trips and falls down, it’s not to the one who runs like the wind, and it’s not to the one who looks like they could step directly into a commercial for the hottest sports shoe. (You can read it in James 1:2)

The winner is the one who keeps running til they finish the course.

You see, this guy, or gal, is the one who just won’t give up. They’ve gotten dressed for the race and intend to finish it - cuts, bruises and all. 

Every time we face the testing and trials, with every blow we experience, we’re growing grit. Grit will help us make it to Heaven. 

So. The next time we feel defeated, like we’re losing this race or the battle which rages, stand a little taller knowing that this is how we’re getting to Heaven. One test and trial at a time! 

Keep on keeping on, stay in the race, wipe the mud off of your face and keep looking upward to the Lord. He’s overseeing it all! We’re never alone on this path of life. God has been gracious enough to give us people to be with us in the here and now. Then there are those who have gone on before us are cheering us on, and the angels are rejoicing, as the Lord prepares to meet us at the finish line. 

Be encouraged today. It’s frustrating, irritating, disappointing, and may make us question our faith a little too, but the hard stuff is what helps us make it to the finish line - Heaven.