What Do You Expect?

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there’s no getting around it.  2 Timothy 3:12 MSG

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be treated badly.  2 Timothy 3:12 NIRV

Anyone who belongs to Christ Jesus and wants to live right will have trouble from others.  2 Timothy 3:12 CEV

The question then becomes, “Do we expect to be persecuted when we follow Christ”?  If we do, then why are we always so surprised when it happens? If our Lord and Savior faced persecution on a daily basis, then why should we expect any less?  And lastly, if we are not facing some kind of persecution, are we being true followers of Christ and living a godly life?

When is the last time you were persecuted, questioned, or treated badly for your wanting to be more Christ-like?

The End of Your Rope

We have all been stressed beyond our capabilities at one time or another.  Stress has a way of making your body ache.  Your back and shoulders start to hurt because of all the tension.  Your head may pound from the mental anxiety that comes with stress.  Sometimes our stomachs and digestive systems can be thrown out of whack.  These are just many of the physical symptoms of stress.  Stress also has a way of compromising our emotions as well.

The fact is no one wants to deal with stress, but we don’t have a choice.  We all get stressed out.  All of us have stated at one time or another, “I give up” or “I can’t take it any more”.  We have all at some time in life reached “the end of our rope” and we feel like giving up.

By the world’s standards, this may be frowned upon because it shows our weakness.  If we say these things, then it means that we are not strong enough to deal with the stress or problem on our own.  This world view, does not coincide with the view of Christ.  Jesus wants us to admit when we have come to the end of our rope because by admitting it, we are affirming our need for him.

Matthew 5:3 in the Message translation states, “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope.  With less of you there is more of God and his rule”. Only by admitting our weakness can we truly receive God’s blessings.

The next time you feel like you are at the end of your rope, look to the One that is holding the other end.