“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”-Matthew 7:13-14

I know that in my life I have gotten frustrated when things get difficult. I went through periods where I wished things were easier or where I wished what I was working for would happen overnight. There is simply no getting around the fact that life is hard and anything worth achieving is going to be a struggle.

The world is very good at echoing this truth. You may see quotes from people that agree with this. What we must realize is that this is not just a worldly truth, but a spiritual truth. The difference is in how we approach it. This difference is found in Matthew 16:24-25 where Jesus says “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

It’s not about following our hearts. It’s not about gaining followers or trying to grab as much as we can. It’s not about seeking comfort or ease. It’s not about getting people to like us. It’s about throwing away our worldly desires and choosing to suffer for the mission God has called us to in pursuit of Jesus.

Sometimes I lose sight of the fact that everything on this earth will pass away. We must regularly check our motives for doing what we do. The treasure is Jesus, and we must do everything for Him.

Life is hard for both believers and nonbelievers. What separates believers from the rest of the world is that we embrace hardships and difficulties with joy and we do so knowing that the suffering we encounter leads to glory. The world tries to gain more of the world, but we try to gain more of Him.

“In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33