266
overcome the world” (John 16:33). When you begin to do things
Jesus’ way, you will encounter troubles—from both outside and
inside. The world, the Devil, and even your own flesh will resist
you and pressure you to do it the wrong way.
But the wrong way is not working. To do it right will be dif-
ficult, but he warned us about that. “Narrow [is] the road that
leads to life” (Matt. 7:14). To hammer out a godly identity takes
a lot of courage and a lot of work. And a lot of battles.
Running into resistance is a good sign that you are doing
what you need to do. It will be worth it. Remember the clear
message of the Scriptures: when you encounter resistances, per-
severing to the end will bring great reward, “receiving the goal
of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:9). As James
puts it, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face
trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your
faith develops perseverence. Perseverence must finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”
(James 1:2–4).
These resistances will surely come. I promise you. If they
didn’t come, you would have established boundaries a long time
ago. But as they come, see them in their biblical perspective.
They are part of a long history of your sisters and brothers—
people who have encountered many trials as they ventured out
on the road of faith, seeking a better land. This journey is always
riddled with trouble, but also with the promises of our Shepherd
to carry us through if we do our part. Go for it.
Boundaries