Every Friday I join an amazing group of word artisans from around the world. We gather together and write for five minutes flat, prompted by one Word. fiveminutefriday.com

Today’s Word: EASY

Earlier this year I fasted with a group of friends. During the fast we gave up sustenance, one meal, and we were focused on things in our lives that we have been praying over for years. Things that could only be changed by the hand of God. Surely, I was focused on a breakthrough from God, because persevering through each of these long awaited God-given promises have been the antithesis of easy. I desperately needed a change and I needed to change too. For me the fast was about more than what I was giving up. I was fasting from what I was giving in to, an unhealthy mindset that was leading me in the wrong direction, a cycle of hopelessness, depression and despair. If you have waited a very long time to receive God’s answers to your prayers or His promises to be manifested in your life, it is so easy to fall into the traps of the enemy and the inner-me, those traps that we set for ourselves when God’s timing doesn’t line up with our timeframe.

Change isn’t easy.

My life hasn’t been easy. What about yours?

I believe it’s impossible to choose to answer God’s call and anticipate our journeys to be like skipping down yellow brick roads, easy. The word of God teaches us that “many are called, but few are chosen” Matthew 22:14. I believe we are all called and we are all chosen by God to fulfill His purpose on earth. However, few of us are willing to pick up our own crosses and follow Christ, discipleship.

How could the life of a disciple be easy when the Cross Christ bore was not?

In Luke 9:23 Jesus tells the crowd “If any of you want to be my follower, you must give up your own way of living, take up your cross daily, and follow me”.

There is nothing about caring our crosses here on earth that is, or will be easy. However, we carry the weight of an even greater glory, a meaningful life, living out our God-given purpose, and eternity in heaven with Jesus.

I believe it’s impossible to live a purpose-driven life on easy street and be utilized by God to help a hurting world filled with hurting people. We must traverse through trials and then come out with a testimony. It’s the Word of God and power of our testimonies that transform lives, for the glory of the Lord.

Trials are not easy.

We are all born into sin, and as Believers we are being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

Transformation isn’t easy.

p.s. If this message has encouraged you share it with a friend. If this message has blessed your soul would you consider sowing a seed. I am currently life coaching women who are in need of my help, but are unable to afford the cost of the services. Every penny counts. Read more about our fundraiser here: https://joantaylor.org/2022/03/16/joan-taylor-ministries-update/

Blessings and Love,

Joan