I was having a heart to heart with a good friend the other day over a fruit cup at Panera. They should add more pineapple chunks to the mix. Anywho, I was speaking some truth to her – some of it hard to swallow.

In one point of our conversation I told her going through these things sucks. It’s gonna hurt. I couldn’t candy coat it for her. But I made the promise that things are so much better on the other side. I assured her that freedom was waiting for her. Then she asked me this question that’s really had me doing some thinking:

“Has it really been worth it for you on the other side?”

She has doubt and I really can’t blame her. The past three years of my life haven’t been what I expected them to be. I’ve been plagued by mysterious physical problems that have kept me from getting out of bed some days. Just when I think I’ve grieved the loss of my father, some crazy emotion comes out of nowhere. I’ve had friends and family walk away because of my decision to follow Christ with all of my heart.
She’s watched me suffer and it breaks her heart. Sometimes things were easier at 330 lbs. than they are now. (Not really. I just buried them and pretended like they didn’t exist.) But I was so glad she asked me that question.
I answer with a resounding YES! It’s totally worth it.
Indeed God has delivered me through some pretty trying times over these last few years. We’re walking through a struggle together right now. I’m sure to the world it looks crazy. But I’m ok with that. The more intimate I get with Jesus, the more I’m reminded I’m simply living in this world. I’m not part of it.
It’s been worth it because I know without a doubt God has been there through it all. He still is. I know because He promises . 
Are there days these struggles suck? Without a doubt. Are there days I don’t understand? You bet. But I still know that I know that I know that God is an amazing God who lavishes more love on me than I could ever deserve. All these attacks, all this crazy stuff that’s been happening is happening because Satan’s ticked off. The closer I get to Christ, the thicker the plot for revenge on my life gets.
I smile as I write that. Bring it on devil! Bring it on…
Though I’m not there yet, I’m closer than I used to be. For every attack that comes my way I want to smile. For every ailment thrown my way, I want to rejoice. For every struggle thrown into the mix of my path, I want to laugh with joy in the face of that roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
It’s worth it on the other side of freedom because God has and will sustain me. He promises and He’s not a liar.
Whatever you’re struggling with today. Whatever is holding your back from walking in freedom. Whatever fear is lying to you. I encourage you to throw your hands in the air today and tell God you’re all in. Surrender. Go for it. Don’t look back.
What do you need to surrender today? Comment below..