Facing the Beautiful and Difficult Days Ahead with Jesus

Recently, I reconnected with two long-time friends. We ran into each other at an event we were attending.

It was one of those events introverts like me dread because there will be awkward moments. First, you must walk into a crowded room. Then, you’ll need to engage in idle conversation. Finally, there’s the time you’ll spend trying to determine how soon you can leave without appearing rude.

In the end, this event held the wonderful opportunity to see many dear friends and, in particular, these two women with whom I shared much of my life. We had watched each other have babies and raise children. We served in ministry together, weathering many of life’s joys and trials along-side one another.

Over the past few years, my family has encountered both the beautiful and difficult. As I visited with these friends from my past, I came face-to-face with the reminder it is what we are all dealing with.

Chances are great it is what you are dealing with, too.

Both the beautiful and the difficult will find you in this life. It’s what you do in those moments, as a disciple of Jesus, that is important. But what is a disciple, exactly? A disciple is one who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and commits to follow Him with her daily life.

So, what does a disciple do? We find the answer to this question in the New Testament book of Mark.

“Jesus…appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority…” (Mark 3.13-15 NIV)

Jesus called His disciples to come follow Him and gave them this job description.

• Be with Him [Jesus]
• Be sent out
• Have authority

Now, that word preach might cause you to wonder if this verse is applicable to all believers. While God does call some to publicly proclaim the gospel message in a ministerial role, all believers are called to share the good news.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” (Romans 10.15b NASB)

Wherever we are in life, and whatever the beautiful or difficult may look like, Jesus still calls us to be with Him on a continual basis—resting in His presence. He still calls us to be sent out—sharing the good news by our actions and words.

Also, as sons and daughters of God, we have been given authority. You, as a Christian, have the authority to say, “Not today, Satan.” You have been given permission from your heavenly Father to speak to the darkness you encounter in this life—the negative, difficult, and debilitating. This is your authority as His child.

It’s what we’re all dealing with…the beautiful and the difficult.

How will we respond? We can purpose to live according to the job description we’ve been given: to always be with Him, allow ourselves to be sent out, and maintain our authority in Jesus. Yes and amen.

Onward we go, friends, into the beautiful and difficult days ahead.