Regardless of Circumstances, God Walks With Us
In Paul’s second letter to the believers in Corinth, he warns them not to deceive others or distort God’s word (2 Corinthians 4:2). That is, don’t misrepresent God’s character or intent to the world.
Yet, this happens. Some people, in their zeal for Jesus, promise those on the outside that if they just say “yes” to Jesus, then all their problems will go away and life will become easy.
It doesn’t work that way.
Jesus says to “count the cost” (Luke 14:28), that his followers may pay a price for their commitment to him.
Paul details this heavy cost. But along with each threat he gives assurance of God’s provision (2 Corinthians 4:8-9):
- Hard pressed from every direction, but not crushed
- Perplexed, but not in despair.
- Persecuted, but not abandoned.
- Struck down, but not destroyed.
So when we follow Jesus we can expect to be harassed, mystified, attacked, and hurt. Yet in this, God promises we will not be defeated, anguished, forgotten, or ruined.
We must count the cost before we follow Jesus, because committing ourselves to him may bring about hardship, but take courage knowing that God will prevail and help us through these trying situations.
[Read through the Bible this year. Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 4-6, and today’s post is on 2 Corinthians 4:2, 8-9.]
Read more in Peter’s book, Love is Patient (book 7 in the Dear Theophilus series).
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
2 replies on “Count the Cost: Is Christianity Easy or Hard?”
Peter, this so true. Unfortunately, there are false prophets out there who preach a “prosperity gospel “ who preach what itching ears want to hear. They, the listeners, are being pulled back into the bondage of idolatry to the lust of the flesh and love for the things of this world. Then when it becomes obvious that this is a false gospel, they’re told it didn’t work because they, the listener didn’t have enough faith.
Robert,
As with most teaching, there is an underlying element of truth to it. We must use discernment to maintain a balanced perspective and not turn it into something it shouldn’t be.
Thank you for adding your insight to the discussion.