The British churchman Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) was a scholar and prolific author. He was recognized for his witty quotes, one of which is literally engraved in stone, that reads, “ALL THINGS BEFORE THEY WERE EASY WERE DIFFICULT.”
Life always starts out difficult. Before walking was easy, it was difficult. Learning to ride a bike was difficult before it was easy. The first college term paper, the first day on the job, the first at-bat, the first day at boot camp; everything that scared us, stressed us, and challenged us became easier as we gained skill, knowledge, and experience.
Overcoming certain temptations is difficult at first, but as our faith in Christ grows stronger, we are more easily able to “resist the devil” and see him flee from us (Jas. 4:7). Men, leading that first public prayer, or ladies teaching that first bible class, it was always difficult before it became easy. But never let us fear to do what we think is difficult. “For God gave us not a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline” (2 Tm. 1:7). Day-to-day life is difficult. A growing faith in God makes every day easier.
-Dennis Doughty
