Finding Reward in 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 

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 Worchester, 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 signaled 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?