So - You've made a choice...

You’ve Made a Choice

Below is an encouragement to any who are battling a trial after making the decision to lean into their faith more in 2025.

You’ve made the decision to follow Jesus and incorporate your faith into your daily work. You’ve trusted God with your finances, your future, and your reputation. You’re striving to focus less on personal gain and more on enhancing the lives of others. You’re doing this out of an overflow of love because you’ve come to understand the depth of love and grace the Lord has showered upon you.

But—if you’re expecting the road to be easy after making this choice, you may not yet fully grasp the lessons of those who have walked this path before you. In fact, making this decision often brings new challenges and trials. In all cases - they're worth it. 

We see Abraham answer God’s call, only to be asked to live as a nomad, journeying to an unknown destination. Even after accumulating wealth by earthly standards, he faced battles, wrestled with the promise of a future son, and endured tests to strengthen his faith.

We see Joseph at age 17 with a dream of his brothers bowing down to him. Before that dream became reality, he was beaten by those same brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and tested before Pharaoh.

We see Jesus Himself—God in the flesh, the healer, the Savior, the miracle worker—abandoned by those in His hometown. He was called upon for help in the present but later disowned by those closest to Him when His words and predictions began to come true. As our Savior, He endured the waiting, the rejection, and the pain while we slowly came to recognize who He truly is.

Leader—if you are actively listening to and investing in the Holy Spirit’s call on your life, trials, challenges, and tests of faith are often part of the evidence that you’re on the right path. These moments prepare you for the time when God will use you fully.

It’s okay if you don’t enjoy every step of the journey. This is your reminder: there is purpose in the process, even as you wade through it slowly. Focus on what God is doing in your heart, not on who is noticing from the outside. Stay true to the calling that inspired you at the start, and keep seeking ways to learn and grow along the way.

Be encouraged today! God bless, and keep pressing forward.

-Mark