After deciding to follow Jesus
Christ, I observed that my life became more challenging than expected.
Following Him requires greater effort and commitment than I initially thought.
To serve the Lord, one must be prepared, embrace responsibilities, and follow
Him diligently.
I prayed to God and asked,
"Lord, why has my life become more challenging than before? You have said
that those who are tired and weary should come to you for rest, as your yoke is
easy to carry." (Matthew 11:30)
When I face numerous challenges
in life, it can be tempting to feel discouraged. I might wonder why I should
persist if life seems full of suffering and pain instead of joy and happiness.
However, reflecting on the wisdom found in various texts, such as Sirach
2:1-18, provides me with guidance and perspective.
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The Book of Sirach, specifically
2:1-5, offers valuable counsel for those aspiring to serve the Lord. The
author, Ben Sira, reminds us that serving the Lord is not easy. One must endure
challenges as the Lord tests the sincerity of those who aspire to serve Him,
assessing the steadfastness of our faith. We should remain unfazed by
adversities, as they signify that we are on the right path. According to Ben
Sira, anyone wishing to serve God must undergo testing to determine the
genuineness of their intent. Just as gold is tested in fire to confirm its
authenticity, those hoping to serve the Lord must face trials and tribulations,
enduring the furnace of humiliation to prove their commitment.
In the subsequent verses, the
advantages of placing trust in the Lord are elucidated. It is proposed that
entrusting Him with one's plans and endeavors will yield support and success.
Furthermore, maintaining reverence for the Lord will be greatly rewarding.
Believers will receive enduring joy and mercy, and they will neither be shamed
nor forsaken, as the Lord our God is merciful and compassionate towards those
who believe in Him, trust Him, and hold divine fear. (Sirach 2:6-11)
In Sirach 2:12-18, Ben Sira
cautions those losing hope and trust in God and who are not steadfast in their
faith. He emphasizes that anyone who loses faith and trust in the Lord will
also lose their path to happiness and prosperity. Allowing oneself to be
overwhelmed by doubt or mistrust in the Lord results in an inability to handle
life's challenges effectively, as the Lord's support will no longer be present.
Believers must remain steadfast, humble, and prepared for any situation in
life. Our God is compassionate and merciful, and He will be with you if you
remain faithful to Him.
It is essential for us to remain
strong and courageous, eliminating any fears from our hearts. By focusing our
attention on Lord Jesus, we can undoubtedly overcome all challenges in our
lives. Similar to a soldier who becomes more experienced and skilled with each
battle faced, our faith grows stronger and our devotion to Jesus deepens with
every trial we encounter. When we are sincere in our hearts, as promised by
Lord Jesus Christ, He will return for us, having prepared a place for us in
heaven with blessings beyond our imagination. (John 14:12).