Sometimes we have the wrong idea about following Jesus; we think that everything in life will be like walking down a shady lane. It isn’t always like that.

I’ve seen brand new baby Christians who think that now that they are Christians, all of their problems will vanish; but they don’t.

I’ve known Christians who are all about God’s love, that’s all they can talk about.  One time I was teaching a class and a lady interrupted to complain that I had been teaching for a half an hour and I hadn’t gotten around to mentioning God’s love yet; she was a little mortified. Needless to say, when trouble came her way, she fell away from the faith: so sad.

The truth is that living the Christian life can be difficult and challenging.  Not everyone around us will approve, some will resent us, others may cut us off from their friendship.  There will be times when we must make tough choices, too.  There will be other times when we might need to sacrifice to serve; what will we do?

No, the Christian life isn’t always like walking down a shady lane, but there is some really wonderful news…

When we focus on our relationship with Jesus Christ, we get through the rough patches.  In fact, what may seem really difficult to some might not even be that big of a deal, when we live for Him.  The reason is that we are focused on Him and not on our problems.  When we do this, we come to realize that our whole orientation is different than it used to be, because we no longer are so concerned with all of the world’s priorities.

The past year or so has been a tough time in my life for various reasons, but I have made an effort to keep my focus on my relationship with Christ during this time.  I will not insult you by reporting that I have been 100% successful in this, but for the most part I have kept focus. I can tell you that in spite of difficulties, it has also been one of the most joyous times I’ve ever had because my priorities have been different.  Seeing someone come to relationship with Jesus can make up for quite a few troubles; seeing someone that I’ve worked with come to spiritual maturity in the church can as well. To see hard work pay off in a church community that grows and prospers spiritually can take care of the rest, and even though there are problems still, they are mere annoyances instead of earth-shaking calamities.

No, it may not be that walk down a shady lane, but it is wonderful indeed to see God working through and in His people.

Are we focused on our relationships with Jesus Christ?