I was reading on my new Kindle DX, which I love, and I highlighted this quote from William James. It was a powerful quote with a ton of meaning for me. It states “Beyond the very extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own; sources of strength never taxed at all because we never push through the obstruction.” Now stop and meditate on these lines. What do they mean for you?

A challenge is a beautiful thing. Jesus had a strength that we can never realize because he was tempted like us but never gave into the sin. Imagine the difficulty of fighting temptation constantly, but never succumbing to the desire. In each battle for right and wrong, you would grow stronger. But as humans, we have given in and become weaker. There is a strength that is only found on the other side of spiritual warfare.

Imagine the church that pushes forward into growth and spiritual vitality. Of course there are forces fighting against the congregation. Satan uses people to hold back the church from greater glory and purity. But the congregation that can press forward into the scary unknown will find a strength that will never be realized through quick answers and a quitting attitude. Imagine the feeling of being on the other side of victory.

I am sure you are facing challenges this week. I encourage you to push through. There is a strength that is only found on the other side of difficulties. Embrace the difficult battle in order to embrace the joy at the other side.