It’s Time to Toughen Up

Jesus told a parable about a sower who scattered some seed, some of which “fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it” (Luke 8:5). Jesus then explained, “The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved (verses 11–12).

The devil will be there to oppose and attack. He will be there to try to stop the work of God in the life of the believer.

As surely as there is a God who loves you, there is also a devil who hates you. He wants to reel you back in. He wants you to go down in flames. He is described in the Bible as “a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

The apostle Paul wrote, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3–4).

Many of us, as we go through spiritual boot camp, so to speak, have a hard time. We don’t want to toughen up. In fact, at the first sign of difficulty, we are ready to bail. I didn’t sign up for this. This isn’t as easy as I thought it would be.

But consider this: If you really are going to follow the Lord, you’re going to be tempted. You’re going to face opposition. Recognize that and brace yourself for it.

Do you want to make a difference for time and eternity? Then it’s time to toughen up, soldier. No spiritual wimps allowed.