If we’re honest, sometimes as Christians we think things are going to be easy. After all, when Jesus saves you, it doesn’t get any better than that! The joy we feel is genuine, and lasting.

But that doesn’t mean we escape this world. Bad things can and do happen. This week we’re talking about having enough grit to get to the glory.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Part of our Christian walk is developing a personal faith that lasts. As Paul tells us in Romans, leaning-in and learning to last is the key to it all. Listen, if you are walking through a really dark valley right now, you are not alone! Many, many people have and are going through exactly what you’re going through now.

If you bought into the idea that being a Christian means your life becomes easy, go ahead and let that one go. True faith requires us to look to the Lord when things go wrong.

Stand up on your feet, Christian, and let Jesus steady you.

Hold Fast!

Let’s pray. Lord, your strength sustains us. We love you for that, and so many more things. Amen.

A lot of us like action movies. If they have a faith theme, even better. The iconic film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” comes to mind. In fact, the wild ride taken by Indiana Jones really typifies what we’re talking about this week: finding the grit to move beyond failure.

As he pursues the famous Ark of the Covenant, Jones chases and fights Nazis, and his own doubts. Along the way, his physical and mental stamina are challenged like never before.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

In a sense, Indiana was sorting out his faith, too, as he looked for the most famous relic of all time. For sure, in the end he had enough evidence to believe in the God of the Bible.

That’s kind of the way faith is. We look at it with skepticism. Sometimes for years! But then something happens to us that we can’t explain. Then we turn a corner on the street and there He is: Jesus.

If you are wrestling with your faith, stop and go back to the source: think on who Jesus really is. Your Savior. Your path to glory will be worth it all!

Let’s pray. Lord, our journey to faith is not always smooth and straight. Thank you for sticking with us to the end. Amen.

Have you ever heard someone recall a tough time and be happy about it? Not often, right?!

We all go through stuff we’d rather forget. When tough times hit us without warning, it’s natural to just wish it could all be over -- immediately! Humans are built to run from trouble, and that’s actually our theme this week: How do you grind through when it’s so bad you want to die?

Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

This is something that separates Christianity from other faiths. In the Bible, we see it all: good, bad, and everything in between. Faith isn’t handed to you like a plate of cookies.

Faith can be messy.

But it is a truism that anything worth having is worth fighting for, and waiting on. God’s timing is often very different from our own, and the story He has planned for us may follow a very narrow path. True faith is joy beyond our full understanding, and the Source of our Faith is always ready to carry us when we can’t make it.

That is the essence of holding fast.

Let’s pray. Lord, your Word tells us that You will always be with us. We believe you, and love you. Amen.

Part of the joy of being a believer is that we can share the Good News with literally anyone and everyone. And how we share that faith is often critical for the other person’s future.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

As we share this week about holding fast to faith, it should be obvious that we are greatly blessed to be able to show others the way. And in that, we can be an example that just because things don’t always go our way, Jesus is better than anything.

On a difficult day, or in the midst of life’s challenges, we can let doubt fester and complain to those around us…or we can turn to Jesus, and point to Him no matter our circumstances.

People are watching. Don’t doubt that. If you put yourself out there as a Christian, others will look to see how you handle yourself when the going gets tough. Some look for you to mess up, but many more genuinely are curious about what you have.

Show them that your faith isn’t dependent on every day being smooth. Your task is to walk in faith -- up and down the hills.

No Grit, No Glory!

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for giving us the gift of sharing the Good News! Amen.

Let’s think about something deep today:

What is the end game?

In this context, we are talking about what comes after this life we are living now. Believers of course look forward to an eternity with the Living God. And even unbelievers wonder about what comes next after you draw your last breath.

It’s the most important element in our discussion this week.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Like snowflakes and other beauty in nature, no two lives are alike. Each of us is unique. God made us that way. The Psalmist said that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

And in your unique life, you face singular challenges. If you believe in Christ, you are well aware that in this life there is pain, and struggle, and obstacles.

But all through Scripture, the Lord lovingly reminds us that He is always with us and when we pass to the next life, and He has prepared a wonderful future for us. One that will never end and will never be tainted by sin.

If you endure in your faith, that is what is waiting for you. Think on that today!

Let’s pray. Lord, your Word tells us that eternity is joy beyond our understanding now. All glory belongs to you. Amen.