We Expect Conflict

Hmmm! So why would you want to accept Jesus Christ into your heart when it means that you would be ridding yourself of the old you and putting on a new you and you would still have conflict in your life - more conflict most likely? Hmmmm!

Most people who are at least curious about walking with the Lord are scared that accepting God and believing His Son, Jesus Christ, died for our sins means that are going to have to completely give up everything they love and do a total 360 in about 5 minutes.

The truth is that accepting God does mean that bad habits will need to be given up, a new way of thinking and seeing things is going to affect you, and you will have to give up more of your time to give God time.

However, this does not happen overnight. God is sympathetic to our human nature and does not expect us to be perfect within 5 minutes of accepting Him but He does expect us to allow Him to start taking control of our life, every aspect of it, even if it takes years for you to be able to let go of some things.

What else scares people is that well Christians profess to take on more conflict as they develop their relationship with God than prior to their acceptance of their faith. So why do it?

First and foremost, I want to be on God's side when the end comes as to not go into the fiery pit for the rest of my days being haunted by all I did wrong.

Secondly, think about what Jesus did for all of us. Really meditate on it. Without knowing any of us personally, He allowed Himself to be spit on, ridiculed, taunted, whipped, crowned with thorns, and nailed to a cross. Doesn't sound like a walk in the park to me. If you think this was easy for Him, think again. He agonized over this with His Heavenly Father prior to the guards coming to get Him. He asked the Father to take this cup away from Him but if God could not that Jesus was willing to accept His will for Him.

Would you be willing to do any of that for someone you don't know let alone a friend or family member?

Thirdly for as much sacrifice you will face for your belief in Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Lord blesses you over and over again and sings a new song in your heart. A different and more radiant joy and love than you have ever experienced.

And lastly you always have someone on your side. God will never abandon you the way human beings will do at times. He is always there willing to accept us the way we are immediately if we just ask. If you make a mistake, yes there are consequences, but He is more than willing to forgive you before anyone else.

That and so much more makes the persecution and despair worth it. For in every trial, God brings good to you and become more like Jesus - selfless, loving, merciful, joyful, compassionate.....

2Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.