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Embracing Life's Challenges

On September 12, 1962, I remember watching President John F. Kennedy as he spoke at Rice University in Houston, Texas. In that speech, he not only talked about the difficult challenges facing the nation, but shared his vision to place a man on the moon within a ten year period of time.

He stated:

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade. We choose to go to the moon and do the other things, not because they are easy but because they are hard.”

Seven years later, on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong took that “giant leap for mankind” by walking on the moon. It was indeed a phenomenal and historic event

Today’s world is filled with energy-saving devices that make life easier, but there is something to be said for embracing life’s challenges. While the apostle Paul found serving Christ difficult, he didn’t see it as a cause for discouragement. He continued his focus on Christ (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) when he wrote:

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair …. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2 Corinthians 4:8-11 NKJV).

Paul knew that:

“He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you” (2 Corinthians 4:14 NKJV).

In Paul’s mind, that goal was worth any and all difficulties.

As followers of Christ, may we this day, commit ourselves to serving Jesus — not just when things are easy, but when things become difficult as well (cf. James 1:2-3 NKJV; 1 Peter 4:12-16 NKJV).

Related Articles:

• That’s One Giant Leap For God!
• Counting The Cost And Paying The Price
• Paul – An Example Of Commitment
• God Is Still Looking For “Amateurs”