When people get saved they are fired up for Christ. It is a love and high like no other. Sometimes there is a misconception that life will be this wonderful life from that moment on. That somehow God will protect us from any harm or misfortunes.
I have heard over the years that non Christians say "Well why bother? If you still struggle and I struggle then I am going to live my life like I want to and not have to follow a God that doesn't seem to care."
Well, I am here to tell you that no the struggles do not go away. In fact, they quite possibly could intensify. As a christian your tests become testimonies. When you have troubles you do not feel alone. You know there is someone who is there, in control and you will be ok.
Why bother? Well, I like not being an angry person. I like loving people. I like knowing everything will work out, my way or not. There is a knowing. A peace. Sometimes it is hard to find the calm silence. Sometimes I want to just look up towards God and scream "WHY BOTHER!?"
But I realize that Jesus is why bother. People are why bother.
If you are a parent, whether you believe in God or not, just stop for one moment. Think about your child. Then think about you sacrificing your child for others wrong doings. Your child. Being tortured. Nails driven in their hands. A crown of thorns burying into their head. You are having your child do this for the greater good of this world and the people in it. For people who will never meet your child. It is hard to imagine. I certainly do not have a friend that would say,OK I am going to allow my child to be killed for your daughters sins. Do you?
Why bother? That is why. Because God loves me enough to do exactly that and to love me even when I screw up. He is there to protect me,provide for me,love me,guide me. He sometimes has to knock me over the head to figure some things out. He certainly has been waiting patiently for me while I struggle. He is currently being patient. But I do love that I am that important to him. Me. I am a nobody. But to God I am a somebody.
Next time when life gets you down and you think why bother? Reach out to a christian friend and ask them why. But listen. Really listen to the answer because heaven awaits all of us.Even if life is rough here on earth. I figure if God can endure Jesus being tortured I can try to handle what is thrown my way because in the end Heaven awaits me.
