Bear Your Share of Hardship

January 25, 2019

From today’s reading…

…but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel

with the strength that comes from God.”

Life for Christians is not meant to be unicorns and rainbows. 

Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior does not mean your business will grow, your relationships will heal, your lawsuits will be settled, or your dog will immediately become potty-trained.

In fact, following Christ usually comes with extra hardship, which you can use to your benefit.

In his book “You Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy The Odds,”  former Navy SEAL and now extreme athlete David Goggins describes the 40% rule.

The basic premise is when you feel like quitting, when you think you’ve gone as far as you can go, the reality is you’re only tapping into 40% of you abilities. You can literally give another 150% of what you’ve already given, but it takes discipline, passion, focus, and commitment.

Paul is writing Timothy from prison. He reminds Timothy that 

…God did not give us a spirit of cowardice

but rather of power and love and self-control.

Timothy received the same “gift of God” that Paul received in the same manner, “the imposition of…hands.”

Jesus laid His hands upon the Apostles. They then received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They laid their hands upon more and more believers, such as Paul.

And it is through this touch that we receive the gifts we need to…

Stay the course.Keep the faith.Endure.