It Is Only Getting Easier Because...

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

 A profound principle spoken by a martyred missionary, Jim Elliot. But of course, this concept goes far beyond the notion of dying for one’s faith. In “practical practice,” it applies, even more so, to the notion of living for one’s faith.

Throughout the course of the Christian life we will sometimes win and sometimes lose. Sometimes we will come out on the “short end of the stick,” and sometimes gratitude and respect will be the order of the day. Sometimes we will go from success to success. Sometimes we will experience successive defeats.

There is a well-worn adage; heard most often among evangelical Christians.

“If you didn’t walk through the valleys, you wouldn’t appreciate the mountains.”

And who among us, even non-believers, aren’t familiar with Romans 8:28?

“And we know that all things work together for good…” (Yada, Yada, Yada.)

Of course, when you’re covered up in the shade of a spiritual, physical, emotional or financial valley, it can be difficult to appreciate such adages and scriptures.

However, I think a proper understanding of the initial scripture requires an intimate familiarity with the realization, gained only by profound and multiple experiences, that this life is short. It is momentary. And it is like a fog in the morning.

The follow New Testament passage says it better than any I’ve come across in my 65 years of life on earth.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time aren’t worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

 The Apostle Peter concurs with our Brother Paul when he admonishes us:

“My brothers, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials with which you are contending, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1^st Peter 4:12)

 Thank God, there is something else. Thank God, there is something more. This “ain’t” all there is.

There truly are “riches in darkness, and treasures in secret places.” (Isaiah 45:3) And at least in my own personal experience, (and as I implied in an earlier journal entry)

For all the trials, trouble and turmoil

we endure here,

It is getting easier,

… because we are getting closer

 (By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary, Vol 4)