When we read the advertising on bill boards, in newspapers, and in flyers that come to our front door, the products look so enticing, so inviting.

It's almost as though the item is calling out to us, "Buy me, buy me", and you wonder how you lived so long without the item.

Can you imagine a tour agency advertising their boat tours by saying, "This boat trip takes you through stormy waters and there's a risk of the boat sinking. The waters are shark infested. Food on board the boat is plain and there isn't much of it. You're expected to wash and dry your own dishes. We don't supply bed linen."

What person in their right mind would be attracted to this ocean journey?

No one I'm sure!

But this is exactly what the Christian is called to when they believe in Jesus.

We must understand that when we come to Jesus, we're coming to die to ourselves and become alive to Christ.

Our verse today makes it clear that the Christian life is no Sunday School picnic.

Following Jesus has meant suffering—and even death—for some of His people.

In Luke 14:25-35 we read about Jesus warning people to count the cost of being His disciple.

So when we come to Jesus—and later find out the problems that are common among God's people—there's no surprises.

Jesus has warned us that His way is tough, and only those who are prepared to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7) should enlist in His army.

So when I tell you to "hang in there" I'm giving you sound biblical advice.

As a simple, old Christian song says, "This world is not my home".

This broken world is no friend to the Christian. Christians are people in transit. We're headed for a city made by God Himself.

Take the long term approach to your problems as our Lord did (Hebrews 12:1-3).

God Himself will enable you to hang in there until the glorious day when you see Jesus.