“It Don’t Come Easy”

May 30, 2010
Romans 5: 1 – 8; John 16: 12-15

As Christians, we believe as Paul did that Jesus, saved us from sin, death, and the power of evil. His death on the cross and resurrection on the third day is proof positive.

Because of everything Jesus has done for us, we can be thankful to God each day by the way we live our lives. But even though we are safe from evil it still exists in this world, and bad things sometimes happen.

Yet, even at the worst of times, we know that Jesus stands beside us, and that God always wants us to pray.

Paul will continue, beyond today’s reading, to tell us that the life of faith is not easy, but those who have found the faith of Jesus the Christ, which is the faith of Abraham, will win.

Many Christians have suffered gladly for Christ throughout the years because they knew God was with them in both bad times and good.

This sureness of the presence and grace of God makes us stronger and often causes things to go better. We know that God cares about us, and that we are not alone in our troubles.

As Christians, we believe that because of Jesus, we live at peace with God.
Some would read Paul and say, “Suffering is necessary, even good. Suffering helps us to endure; endurance builds character; character gives us hope.” And so it becomes a ‘prized,’ identifying mark or ingredient of our ‘Christianhood.’

But is that really the case? Others would point out that hardship can produce endurance - and often does. After all, most of the good and important things in life, you have to work hard for. And character can be shaped by endurance and by withstanding the ordeals of life with ‘grace’ and our ‘head held high.’ After all, movements for social change in this country have been built on the shoulders of people who have modeled such endurance. But there is also something called fortuitous (or unexpected) grace – like an unexpected kiss or hug. The capacity to be surprised by a God, who loves lavishly even though we've done nothing to warrant it, also results in the very same hope. It's not a pay back for anything – suffering, endurance or character. It's a free gift! And it, too, is real.

Paul then goes on to say we should even boast about our suffering for Christ. Does anyone besides me have a problem with that? We accept the idea that suffering can produce endurance, and endurance can produce character, and character can produce hope. But is it suffering that is good or God working to use it for good that is important for us to believe? And what about boasting, is that a good thing?

Remember, when we were growing up, what our parents told us about bragging? So when Paul says suffering is a good thing and that we should brag about it – I have a hard time getting my mind around it – even if it is true. Perhaps Paul is trying to say, “Take pride in your suffering for Christ, own it, it’s yours, because you know, your life as a follower of Christ is not going to be an easy thing.”

So, yes, it is hard when it doesn't come easy. But it's also a good thing when it does. Because, I believe as the Rev. Edward Beck writes, “God is like that. Kissing us unexpectedly. Hugging us warmly in ways we don't always anticipate.”

In the words of Richard Starkey, better known as Ringo Starr of the Beatles, “You know it don't come easy.” Ringo, in a song by the same name, commented on life to be lived, offering an alternative to the apostle Paul’s bragging when he wrote:

“(You) “Got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues,
And you know it don't come easy.
You don't have to shout or leap about,
You can even play them easy.”

And when you listen to the words of the rest of the song, it is really quite a spiritual song – a song of love and grace sung by God to God’s people.

Forget about the past and all your sorrows,
The future won't last,
It will soon be over tomorrow.

I don't ask for much, I only want your trust,
And you know it don't come easy.
And this love of mine keeps growing all the time,
And you know it just ain't easy.

Open up your heart, let's come together,
Use a little love
And we will make it work out better.

Got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues,
And you know it don't come easy.
You don't have to shout or leap about,
You can even play them easy.

Peace, remember peace is how we make it,
Here within your reach
If you're big enough to take it.

I don't ask for much, i only want your trust,
And you know it don't come easy.
And this love of mine keeps growing all the time,
And you know it don't come easy.

Jesus promises his disciples that, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; … he will declare to you the things that are yet to come. He will glorify me.” Jesus has provided the Holy Spirit to stand by us in our suffering and time of loss, to strengthen us when we are tired and our energy is spent; to empower us for all the work that needs to be done; to dream dreams remembering the past and those saints who have served before us; and to envision a future when all we do will glorify God.