Life’s
Challenges
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all
nations you will be my treasured possession. - Exodus 19:5
As you all know, I love history. Here is a lesson we can all
learn from.
Almost everyone has heard of Paul Revere’s midnight ride to warn
American patriots of advancing British soldiers during the American Revolution.
But few have heard of Israel Bissel, a humble post rider on the Boston-New York
route.
After the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775,
Bissel was ordered to raise the alarm in New Haven, Connecticut. He reached
Worcester, Massachusetts, normally a day’s ride, in just two hours. There,
according to tradition, his horse promptly dropped dead.
Pausing only to get another mount, Bissel pressed on and by
April 22, he was in New Haven—but he didn’t stop there! He rode on to New York,
arriving April 24, and then stayed in the saddle until he reached Philadelphia
the next day. Bissel’s 126-hour, 345-mile ride signalled American militia units
throughout the Northeast to mobilize for war.
In the Christian life, God often calls us to challenging tasks
that, while difficult, ultimately bring about good. Perhaps He challenges us to
step out in faith and help mend a broken relationship. Or, maybe He calls
us to step out in faith and share the message of salvation with another person.
While tasks like these aren’t always easy, they’ll always be blessed.
So be willing to do the hard things for God so that in due time,
you’ll receive abundant blessings!
Prayer Challenge
Pray that God would give you a heart that’s willing to do great
things for Him even when they seem challenging.
Questions for Thought
Are you typically eager to accept challenges in life or are you
more prone to do what’s safe?
How can you change your perspective to be more eager to do the
hard things for God, knowing that the reward will be great?