The Joy in doing Difficult Things
Why would anyone want to run a marathon? That sounds extremely painful and unnatural. Running 3 miles is enough to get my knees aching so the thought of running 26 is a bad idea.
But many people are inspired to take up that goal and get it done. According to runningwithgrit.com, 1.1 million runners finish a marathon each year; so, about 0.01% of the world population.
What motivates some people to try what seems impossible or unnatural (i.e. running a marathon)? It is believed to be a rush of endorphins during the race and the euphoric feeling after crossing the finish line that draws in a minority of the population.
Scripture tells us to count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (James 1:2-3). I like the visual of running a marathon because scripture makes several references to finish the race well. My favorite is Acts 20:24 NIV…. if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Throughout scripture there are more than a dozen of scripture referencing persevering to the end…finishing the race. (see end of this post for more verses)
Motivators and Rewards
This pure joy that comes from accomplishing difficult things…hard things…is my motivator to continue pressing in for more. My purpose for “pressing in for more” is to accomplish what the Lord Jesus called me to do; ultimately, I want to represent him well.
Even in the corporate office environment, rewards and recognition are a motivator to try new things and take on challenging goals. It seems all good things in life are inspired by The Word of God. Colossians 3:23-24 tells us that whatever we do, work at it with all our heart, as working for the Lord, not for people, since we know that we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ we are serving.
So, in everything we strive to do well to bring glory to God.
What is Joy?
I often hear and say, “The joy of the Lord is my strength!”. What does this mean? Most of us equate joy to mean laughter or pleasure. Joy is much deeper than what we can visualize.
When Jesus lives in us there is a spirit connection to him that brings supernatural comfort and peace. His love wraps us up and his light shines through us. This brings an assurance of salvation and protection that allows us to endure difficult things without moving to a place of despair. We have hope in all things. We expect good things and press in for miracles in every circumstance.
Having full confidence in Christ captures the essence of having pure joy.
Having full confidence in Christ means:
• I don’t have to worry – I need to pray & receive.
• I have no shame – I have been forgiven!
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – I’m not alone!
• Even if I fail it will be Okay! The world will not end. He can make beauty from ashes.
• If I get into a dangerous situation, he can hide me in plain sight…he is my refuge.
• I am living in the royal kingdom of Christ with access to God the Father
who gives only good and perfect gifts.
Accepting Jesus gives me access to full confidence in Him. This inner confidence comes to the surface in pure joy that strengthens me to do difficult things – to at least try to do hard things. Especially, when he is asking me to. Why would I say, no? What do I have to fear? He said he is going to help me. He sent me the Holy Spirit who provides access to his authority and power. He is The Word and provided The Word (i.e. bible) to help guide me.
He sacrificed his life for me! In return, am I going to cower and not try something difficult?
No way! I can honor what he did for me on the cross by
at least trying to accomplish the hard things he lays out for me to do.
Benefits
There are many benefits to trying something that seems impossible/difficult/hard:
1. Increases my faith because I have to rely more on him
2. Brings a sense of satisfaction knowing I was obedient to Christ. That I was able to do something for him. He sacrificed so much for me!
3. Brings more joy in the form of celebration for the achievement itself.
4. Gives me an opportunity to give God the glory for the work he is doing in and through me.
5. Equips me to try something even harder next time.
a. Builds new skills
b. Builds my circle of influence – I get to meet more people! I love God’s people!
6. My attempt to try something hard might encourage others to also try something hard.
a. Even if I fail – my failure might encourage others to try
7. If I do my best, no matter the outcome, I’m still building an inheritance in the kingdom according to Col 3
More than Satisfied
The joy that comes from accomplishing challenging projects is a motivator to continue pressing in for more. Matt 14:13-21 documents when Jesus fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. This scripture tells us everyone ate and was satisfied. Afterward, the disciples picked up 12 basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. This means there was MORE than enough. Jesus does more than satisfy the soul. There is more for us to see and do. There is more revelation, wisdom, and knowledge waiting for us.
Matt 13:11-12 says whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have even what he has will be taken from him.
We are told to come, taste and see that the Lord is good.
Come, try something hard, and see that it is good for you. He will use it to build your faith. He will use it to bless you with more. If you don’t try you will never see or experience it for yourself. We can do hard things!! God has equipped us with everything we need to persevere and finish the race strong with a winning time and with knees intact!
Glory to God!
Scriptures relevant to persevering in our RACE
1. Enduring the race unto the end
Matthew 24:13 – But the one who endures to the end will be saved
2. Run your race in obedience
Acts 20:24 – But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
3. The prize for the race
1 Corinthians 9:24 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
4. Christ, your strength through the race
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
5. Variation of Race
Philippians 3:12 – Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
6. Persistence to the goal
Philippians 3:14 – press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
7. Faith in Christ
Hebrews 12:2 – looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
8. Peace and Steadfastness.
Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
9. Focusing on your race.
Proverbs 4:25 – Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.
10. Righteous move.
Job 17:9 – Yet the righteous holds to his way, and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger.
11. Avoiding distractions.
Isaiah 43:18 – Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
12. Despite the hardship, hold fast.
Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us
13. Take courage – you will be rewarded
2 Chronicles 15:7 – But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
14. Godliness is of value in every way
1 Timothy 4:8 – for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
15. Fear not
Isaiah 41:10 – fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Thank you for encouraging us to do hard things!
With Christ all things are possible!
He created us for challenges, gave us the incentives to tackle our challenges and the power to overcome and win the victory!
We are created in his image, his children created to do great things and overcome the obstacles before us. To enjoy the adventure of life while releasing the creative nature he placed within us!
How can we do anything less than try to succeed at the challenges he places before us!
Great site! Very motivating!