The path Christ calls us to is a varied, winding path. Faithfulness to Him and His truth brings us into all sorts of contradictions--being loved and hated, being envied and pitied, being alone and in profound fellowship, laughing and weeping, meditating and preaching.
The novelty of this exotic metaphorical locale is not enough. It may sound heroic at first hearing. But really it is nothing of our own doing. It is even nothing of any value whatsoever, if not empowered, inspired, and inscribed by a mesmerized and passionate love for God. Without that love, it is also impossible to get through.
Only this love for God, awakened by the Holy Spirit, is powerful enough to take a person through all of these ups and downs--these meadows and walls. And rest assured that both the meadows and the walls will come. Meadows where you are loved and celebrated, and where the companionship you share with other believers is amazing. Walls where you are rejected by people--sometimes even by those claiming Christ, as a result of taking His Word seriously. Walls where you struggle even to know what obedience would look like in this particular situation.
Be prepared to excitedly cherish those meadows and to awkwardly walk into those walls. Do what needs to be done and fix your heart on Him through it all.
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