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?