August 15, 2023
It is a sure truth that so far and no more is the Christian fit to live serviceably, than he is prepared to suffer readily. Because there is no duty but hath the cross attending on it; and he that is offended at the cross, will not be long pleased with the service that brings it.
William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour
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Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23 that following him means taking up a cross. He doesn’t imply that you might have to suffer but says outright you will have to suffer, even more so if you want to serve him well. Look at how willing Paul was to preach the gospel in Rome (Ro. 1:15-16) even though he knew that could mean imprisonment or death. Trials and suffering are part of the Christian walk, but fortunately, our feet are “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). The sole on these shoes is thick and tough and will allow us to endure all the sharp stones on our path.