The Christian life is not a promise of a life without difficulties. It is a call to remain faithful to Christ even when the journey becomes difficult.
The apostles strengthened the disciples by reminding them that suffering is part of the journey toward the Kingdom of God. This message was not intended to frighten believers, but to strengthen them. A soldier does not become afraid simply because he hears that a battle is coming. Rather, he understands that the battle is part of his calling.
As Christians, we are not called merely to seek comfort on earth. We have been called to remain faithful and to reach our heavenly destination.
The Jordan River: A Picture of Our Spiritual Journey
The Jordan River can be seen as a powerful picture of the spiritual battles and trials believers may face, particularly in difficult times.
Israel did not cross the Jordan when the river was calm and easy to cross. They crossed when the Jordan was overflowing its banks. In the same way, there may be seasons when our difficulties appear greater than our strength.
Yet the overflowing river does not mean that God has abandoned us.
Sometimes the greatest battles come just before the greatest transitions in our lives.
We may experience loss, pain, opposition, disappointment, temptation, or spiritual warfare. But God can use even these difficult experiences to prepare us for what lies ahead.
Trials Are Not the End of the Story
Many people naturally ask, “Why must I suffer?”
But Scripture teaches us that suffering can have a purpose.
The apostle Peter writes:
“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” — 1 Peter 5:10
Trials can refine us, strengthen our faith, and produce spiritual maturity.
Just as a student faces an examination before moving forward, believers may pass through difficult seasons that prepare them for greater spiritual responsibility.
This does not mean that God delights in our suffering. Scripture shows us that God is compassionate toward His people. When Mary and Martha wept over Lazarus, Jesus Himself wept.
God does not rejoice in our pain.
But He can bring purpose out of our pain.
There Is No Crown Without a Cross
Jesus Himself chose the path of suffering for our salvation.
When He came into the world to accomplish the Father’s will, He did not choose the easiest path. He willingly gave Himself for us.
The cross reminds us that God’s love is demonstrated not merely through words, but through sacrifice.
If Christ was willing to suffer for us, we should not be surprised when following Him requires sacrifice from us.
The Christian life is not about asking, “How can I avoid every difficulty?”
It is about asking, “How can I remain faithful to Christ through this difficulty?”
There is no crown without a cross, and there is no resurrection without death.
Unity Gives Strength
The message also points us toward the importance of Christian unity.
Psalm 133 speaks of the goodness and blessing of God’s people dwelling together in unity. The picture of Mount Hermon and the dew flowing down reminds us that blessing can flow when God’s people walk together.
In difficult times, believers need one another.
We need brothers and sisters who will pray with us, encourage us, correct us in love, and help us remain faithful.
Spiritual battles should not cause Christians to become isolated. Instead, difficulties should draw us closer to Christ and closer to one another.
There is strength in unity.
The Enemy May Attack, But God Can Turn the Attack Into Victory
The Christian journey includes spiritual opposition. The enemy may seek to discourage, tempt, weaken, or destroy God’s people.
Jesus warned Peter that Satan had asked to test him. Yet Jesus also assured Peter that He had prayed for him and that Peter’s faith would ultimately be restored.
This gives us hope.
The presence of a battle does not mean the absence of God.
Sometimes God allows us to pass through a difficult season because He is accomplishing something deeper within us.
What looks like an attack can become an opportunity for spiritual growth.
What appears to be a setback can become a stepping stone.
What was intended to bury us can, by God’s grace, become the very thing that lifts us higher.
The Story of the Donkey
There is a simple story about a donkey that accidentally fell into an old well.
The owner believed the donkey was too old to be useful and decided that the well should be filled in. He began throwing dirt and stones into the well, intending to bury the donkey.
But something unexpected happened.
Instead of allowing the dirt to bury him, the donkey shook the dirt from his back and stepped onto it. With every load of dirt, he rose higher.
Eventually, the donkey climbed out of the well.
The very material that was intended to bury him became the means by which he escaped.
There is an important spiritual lesson here.
Sometimes the things that come against us may appear to be destroying us. But when we place our trust in God, He can use those very experiences to lift us higher.
The enemy may intend destruction, but God is able to bring victory.
Pressed, But Not Destroyed
Paul gives us one of the most powerful descriptions of Christian perseverance:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8–9
Notice the difference.
Pressed—but not crushed.
Perplexed—but not in despair.
Persecuted—but not abandoned.
Struck down—but not destroyed.
The Christian may suffer, but suffering does not have the final word.
Paul continues by explaining that believers carry the death of Jesus in their bodies so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed through them.
Sometimes the more we pass through difficult experiences, the more clearly Christ’s life can be seen in us.
Our wounds can become testimonies.
Our trials can become lessons.
Our tears can become seeds of faith.
Our weakness can become an opportunity to experience God’s strength.
We Will Not Sink
The Jordan may be overflowing.
The battle may become intense.
The road may become painful.
But we do not need to be afraid.
God’s grace is greater than our suffering.
When the trials of life come, we can hold on to the promise that those who trust in the Lord will not ultimately be put to shame.
The enemy may come with the intention of destroying us, but God is able to turn the situation around and use it for our spiritual growth and victory.
Therefore, do not give up.
Keep walking.
Keep praying.
Keep trusting.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
The river may be deep, but God’s grace is deeper.
The battle may be fierce, but God’s power is greater.
The suffering may last for a season, but God’s faithfulness never ends.
Conclusion: Keep Crossing
Every believer has a Jordan to cross.
For some, it may be suffering.
For others, temptation.
For others, persecution, loss, disappointment, or spiritual opposition.
Whatever your Jordan may be, remember this:
God has not brought you this far to abandon you.
Do not run away from the battle simply because it is difficult. Stand firm in faith. Walk together with God’s people. Allow your trials to strengthen rather than destroy you.
And when you feel pressed on every side, remember the promise:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.”
The Lord is good.
The Lord is powerful.
His grace is sufficient.
So do not fear the Jordan.
Keep walking. Keep believing. Keep trusting Jesus.
One day, you will look back and realize that the river you feared was part of the journey God used to lead you into victory.
His grace is always greater.
