Why is following God so difficult at times?

John 15:18-19“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

John 16:32-33“The time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Life can be difficult when we face opposition and hardships simply for following Jesus. We should remember that we follow Jesus because he is “the way, the truth, and the life”—the only way to eternal life (John 14:6). We are not following him just so he can make our life on earth easier.

1 Chronicles 28:20Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”

James 1:2-4When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Following God in something doesn’t make it easy. In fact, the more important a task is, the more Satan will throw up roadblocks. If we know God is leading us in a certain direction, we shouldn’t give up when the going gets tough. If anything, that should tell us we are headed in the right direction. We need to keep moving forward boldly with our eyes fixed on God—he promises that our faith will be strengthened as we obey him in our beliefs, values, and daily choices. When we do, we will be able to step out with stronger faith wherever God calls us.