After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra, then Iconium, and then Antioch, putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn’t be easy: "Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times." Acts 14:21-22 (TM)

Muscle and sinew. Perseverance. Endurance. Difficulty.

It sounds like a commercial for the upcoming football season. Read the words again and see the linebacker, muscles rippling as he groans through another work out in the weight room. Picture the running back, teeth gritted as he throws himself into a wall of opponents and strains to get that last yard. See the sweat dripping off the mud and blood covered face of the quarterback as he steps from the huddle. Fourth quarter, fourth and long, clock ticking, no time outs, and one shot to get the ball in the end zone.

Muscle and sinew. Perseverance. Endurance. Difficulty.

Paul wasn’t signing people up for a football team. He was urging people on in their faith journey.

Muscle and sinew. Perseverance. Endurance. Difficulty.

It’s easy to find people marketing a relationship with Jesus as a walk in the park or a lottery winning return on financial investment. The reality is, following Jesus is workout for the soul and a test of will. It is an endurance race of marathon proportions. Believer me, the return and reward are there. Indescribable peace, unimaginable hope, genuine faith, deep love, pure joy, and proven character are all outcomes of the journey.

But, like Paul, I have got to be honest. They don’t come without cost.