The first, surprised to meet
Trouble on the road to eternity,
Determines that he must be traveling
On the wrong road.
The second, that he must be traveling
In the wrong direction.
The third, that he must be traveling
At the wrong time,
Or perhaps with the wrong people,
Or in the wrong circumstances.
But the fourth, surprised to meet
Trouble on the road to eternity,
Determines that he must be
Traveling with the wrong expectation.
It is surprising that so many are so surprised to find so much difficulty in life, and that talking about the Bible as much as they do, they do not figure out that the intent of the journey is the transformation of the traveler along the way.
I suppose that much of this unrealistic expectation comes from the ongoing rhetoric aimed at keeping non-journeyers in the pews by promising them that they are entitled to a mostly-trouble-free life, and that the difficulties they face are mostly anomalies that should fade away soon.
Here are seven passages that should make the expectation of trouble clear—and I’ll bet I could find 70!
…In this world you will have trouble….
John 16:33b. NIV
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings,…
1 peter 4:12-13a. ESV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4. NIV
…through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:22b. ESV
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor…
1 Peter 1:6-7a. ESV
…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame…
Romans 5:3b-5a. ESV
…the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:13. ESV
