Paying the price for what you believe in

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

 It is never easy to see something you believe in come to fruition. It will usually be both costly and sacrificial.

The London Olympics is just a few weeks away and at the moment the Olympic torch is touring the nation.  It is humbling to hear how people got a vision in 1997 to see the Olympics come to London and believed in it enough to resolutely pursue it. They have had to persevere through trials and difficulties, through disappointments and victories to see the fulfilment of the vision. Now they are seeing their dream come true.

For many ordinary people their lives are being transformed by the honour of carrying the Olympic torch even a short distance. The onlookers too are greatly touched as they watch these people carrying the torch, some of whom have also had to overcome great difficulties in their lives . It isn’t just about famous sportspeople but ordinary men and women.

Jesus had to resolutely overcome every difficulty to fulfil the vision he had of sinners being saved through his death on the cross. No one has endured what Jesus did to conquer sin and death.  Paul also had to endure many hardships to fulfil the vision he had of reaching the Jews and Gentiles with the Gospel and in the process he gave the Church the most wonderful teachings on Kingdom life.

You too may be carrying a vision that is requiring great perseverance to see come to fruition. It is never easy but it will be worthwhile. Others will reap the benefit of your diligence.

One of my favourite songs by Point of Grace goes, ‘When I said that I would follow, it was with an honest heart but I never fully understood the cost. But there are saints throughout the ages and there are those today who show us what it really means to carry the cross.’

Let’s remember with gratitude those who have gone before us and persevered for something we may take for granted today. Let’s also persevere with the vision God has given us to see that which we believe in come true.