When I was hiking in a park with my grandfather, our trail lassoed a lake at the bottom of a valley. As we walked, several smaller paths broke away from the main trail. Each time we came to a fork in the road, my grandfather let me choose which way to go. I always picked the steepest, rockiest, most difficult choice. My grandfather sighed a few times, but he took on the most challenging path for my sake.
Paul and Silas consistently chose the hard path for Jesus. Even after being beaten and placed in a dungeon in Philippi (Acts 16:23-24), they praised God in their chains. “Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). They glorified God when it would have been easier to simply complain and cry.
Choosing the hard path again, Paul and Silas stayed inside the jail when an earthquake presented them with an opportunity to escape. Because of the quake, “all the [prison] doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” (Acts 16:26).
When the jailer realized what had happened, he assumed the convicts had fled, so he prepared to commit suicide. Deciding to bless the one who placed the shackles on him, Paul shouted, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” (Acts 16:28). The relieved jailer then escorted Paul and Silas out of the prison. Later, he and his entire household committed themselves to Christ (Acts 16:34).
Although things went well for Paul and Silas in Philippi, the path that honors God is rarely pleasant. It often requires courage and self-discipline, for the end may be uncertain. But no matter what we face, we know that Jesus will never leave us on the hard path alone (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 24:1-27
More:
Read Hebrews 11:24-26 to see what choosing the hard path meant for Moses. See Daniel 3:19-29 to learn what happened when three men chose a furnace over unfaithfulness to God.
Next:
What’s the most difficult thing you’ve done (or avoided doing) for the sake of Jesus? How does His sacrifice inspire you to choose the hard path for Him?
Gary Shultz on January 14, 2015 at 6:28 am
It is a great blessing to know we are not alone ever. Even if we chose wrongly we can still find God’s forgiveness. For me, the path is much more hopeful since we know the One who allowed us on it, knows where it will lead. He planned for us and many times others. Sometimes we do sigh, but we should know Who has gone before. Thanks, I think I’ll take a hike.
Tom Felten on January 14, 2015 at 9:27 am
Good thoughts, Gary. It’s inspiring to think that—just as Russell’s grandfather walked with him on the difficult trail—our heavenly Father walks with us even as we face the tough stuff of life. I know that during some of the most difficult and darkest moments of my life I’ve experienced the presence and peace of God in amazing ways!
alli on January 14, 2015 at 9:45 am
I find the singing the most difficult. times God has asked me to give up legitimate things, things He doesnt require from my peers. But then He asks me to sing too. it can be too much, im fine if I get to complain, sulk and whine about what I lost but when He makes sing, thats the part I sometimes cant deal with. its more of a sacrifice to me to say ‘im okay, God is good, all as well’ when its really not then the beating and being thrown in prison. I can deal with that but you want me to praise you too..wow it takes a whole lot of character, I fail at this,daily.
jennifer benson schuldt on January 14, 2015 at 11:11 am
alli,
Thanks for being so honest. I can relate with everything you expressed–especially (and unfortunately) the part about complaining! 🙂
When I read your post I looked up a couple of verses. Philippians 4:4 does encourage us to rejoice in everything. But, the Bible doesn’t just give a command and leave it at that. Our joy, or the act of rejoicing, may come from knowing that God can use the hard things in life to make us more like Him. James 1:1-4 assures us of this.
Also, there’s joy in knowing that hardship creates a special partnership with Christ (2 Peter 4:13).
Certain circumstances in life can crush us and break our hearts. Maybe it’s not that we’re rejoicing in our distress, but that we’re rejoicing in Christ–the One who never changes, who is always available to help us and support us no matter what we face.
I prayed for you today–hoping that God will help you to see His purposes and give you the strength to keep walking with Him.