The Bible says, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
Do you want to be a victim or a victor? Do you want to be comfortable or a conqueror? Do you want to see “impossible” dreams come true, to the glory of God? Victors process pain and pleasure differently than other people. The Bible says Jesus “learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).
The apostle Paul said, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory, beyond all comprehension” (2 Corinthians 4:17). In his cell in chains he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). He looked at his own death sentence and suffering for Christ and said this.
When you’re lied about and betrayed and you forgive and remain silent rather than attempt to destroy the person who is slandering you, you still love them and suffer for Christ’s sake. The price of admission to change the world is unspeakable evil and betrayal, and when it comes, you cannot play the victim.
Are the things you’re living for worth Christ dying for? Are you willing to live your life in the light of eternity? The apostle Paul said that he wanted to know Christ and the fellowship of His suffering. If you truly want to change the world, then celebrate suffering and sacrifice. Seek the Jesus who shows up in the flames of fire.
It is in the quiet crucible of your personal suffering that your noblest dreams are born. God’s greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you’ve been through. You’re going to be betrayed. You’re going to be rejected by those you’ve loved the most if you choose the narrow path.
Beginning strong is not a sign of a surrendered life. Finishing strong is. When things are going well, we see Christ as a conquering Savior. But when things go badly, do you still see Him that way? To be an overcomer you must have something to overcome. If you don’t have an opponent, you don’t have a victory.
Most who celebrate with you on the mountain will not be with you in the fire. Everyone wants a theology that celebrates those who get fire protection. How about a theology that celebrates those who choose to suffer in the fire and embraces a God who walks through the fire with us? Revelations born from suffering for Christ are the engines of God that fuel His eternal purposes on earth. It will cause you to see what He sees, hear what He hears, and do what He does.
The Christian life is not about winning and being number one. It’s about Jesus being number one. If I have to protect my name at all costs, my reputation at all costs, my career at all costs, my income at all costs, and my influence at all costs, it will lead to a self-inspired narrative (S.I.N.). The Christian life is about surrendering all of our life for His glory and His story. That’s what I have learned about God’s dreams and how they come to pass. Sacrifice and suffering can be fuel for your dreams, if you let them.
