As I write this, I am preparing to begin a new chapter in my life. I have just completed a wonderful four-and-a-half-year ministry with Kentontown Christian Church in Robertson County, Kentucky. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and consider myself blessed to have been their preacher. It is a solid congregation filled with many kind and loving followers of Christ.

On September 7, I will begin a preaching ministry with Clarksburg Christian Church, near Vanceburg, Kentucky. Although I was not looking for a change of ministry—I was quite happy where I was—this door opened, and I saw it as a God-given opportunity that I could not pass up.

I did not choose this path because I thought it would make my life easier. On the contrary, I fully expect my life to become more difficult because of this change. I am reminded of what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:9, “…a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”

Sometimes we think that a pathway that God has stretched out before us will be an easy one to walk. Quite often, the exact opposite is the case. Many people in the Bible found that their obedience to God was accompanied by great hardship. Never-the-less, they were blessed because of their obedience, and their faithfulness to the Lord became a blessing to others also.

In your life you will have many choices to make. Sometimes the option that will prove most effective for kingdom work will not be the easy option. You will face struggles and opposition. Satan does not want the kingdom of God to grow, so he will oppose us in many and various ways.

So, each time you begin a new chapter of your life, remember that it won’t always be easy. Sometimes making the right choice will make your life significantly more difficult. God doesn’t call us to a life of ease. Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

If you live in the vicinity and are looking for a good church, I want to invite you to join us at Clarksburg Christian Church. Our Sunday morning worship service begins at 11:00am. Wherever you live, make sure the next chapter of your life includes being a part of a Bible-believing church. There are no guarantees that it will be easy, but Jesus promises his peace—even in this trouble-filled world—for those who include him and his Church in their lives.