Faithfulness is hard.

You need to be reminded of this simple truth.  In fact, I was reminded of it this morning.

On my way to pick up a few books, I made a slight detour to a very familiar spot in a particular corner of the Baylor University library.

I spent countless hours pouring over books and franticly typing papers on top of this group of tables.  I also spent many hours sleeping under them.

That bolded sentence has a back story.

In the spring of 2006, out of faithfulness to God, I quit a job working as a advertising account executive to move to Waco in order to attend Truett Seminary.  God called me to leave my failing business career and devote my life to ministry.  I was terrified but moved my trembling feet forward.

My seminary years were hard.

I loved the experience – I was stretched mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  I was both challenged and comforted.  I even managed to find the love of my life and married her during my final year.  Yet, I spent the majority of my three years of seminary exhausted and extended to points I once thought impossible.

I wanted ministry experience and needed money.  This resulted in me working three jobs for the majority of my seminary years.

I served as an associate pastor of a church plant in the middle of a struggling neighborhood.  It was an amazing time but never easy and never glamorous.

I cooked breakfast at a homeless ministry.  I arrived each morning at 4AM Monday through Saturday and did my best to provide food and friendship.

I was a volunteer coordinator of a community development organization.  On Saturdays and Mondays I lead teams, mostly comprised of people serving court ordered community service hours, in clearing brush and mowing yards.

Which brings me back to the library.   In the midst of seminary and three jobs, I often found myself at the library in desperate need of sleep.  As my dear wife studied and stood watch, I would duck under the table and catch a few moments of rest.

All of this to say … faithfulness is hard.

As you attempt to live out New Year resolutions, do not fool yourself into thinking that it will be a road paved with butterflies and lollipops.  Followers of Christ, do not believe the lie that faithfulness is easy.  It’s not.  It’s hard – but worth it.

I apologize if this post sounds like a humble brag.  That is not my intention.  I hope to be an  encouragement when difficulty presents itself.  Remember, “the One who called you is faithful.  He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).