Obstacles to Disciple Making Part 4

If you've tried, you know: Making disciples is no joke. Even if the rails were greased, it'd be a bumpy ride. But the rails aren't greased of course. In fact, there are no rails. But it's not all bad news. With a bit of shift in perspective, I believe that we can all experience great joy in it.

One of those shifts is a shift in our expectations, which is helped by the realization that there will be opposition. The devil and our flesh. And then there is busyness. How many of you are like... "Oh good. I was looking for something to do with all my time."? Right. Nobody.

Here's another category under the heading Stuff that can Knock Us Out: Pain and suffering. Life can be, at times, overwhelmingly shitty (Seriously, I tried really hard to think of a nicer word). And the pain comes in so many varieties: Broken relationships, financial hardships, loss of a dream, disappointments, illness, sudden tragedy. Should I go on?

But what is it that they say about pain and suffering? If it doesn't kill you, it'll only make you stronger.

Consider it all joy my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4