Why Walking with Jesus Isn’t (and Won’t Always Be) Easy

Many people come to Christ expecting life to instantly get easier—but the truth is, walking with Jesus often comes with challenges. Following Him means dying to self, carrying a cross, and walking in obedience even when it’s uncomfortable. The Bible never promises an easy road, but it does promise that Jesus will walk with us every step of the way.

Jesus Warned Us the Road Would Be Narrow

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus said:

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

The path to eternal life is not the popular one. It’s narrow, and not everyone will choose it. That narrow way comes with sacrifice—surrendering our own desires to walk in God’s will. It’s not always comfortable, but it leads to life.

We Must Take Up Our Cross Daily

Jesus didn’t sugarcoat the cost of discipleship. In Luke 9:23, He said:

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Following Jesus requires self-denial. It’s a daily commitment to die to your own will and carry your cross—the symbol of sacrifice and surrender. This isn’t easy, especially in a world that encourages self-promotion and comfort. But this daily discipline is where true spiritual growth happens.

We Will Face Trials and Persecution

Walking with Jesus means standing against the world’s systems, and that can lead to resistance and persecution. In John 16:33, Jesus said:

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus assures us that trials are part of the journey. But He also promises peace in the middle of the storm and victory at the end of it. Our confidence isn’t in a life free from trouble—it’s in a Savior who has overcome it all.

Even Jesus Suffered

If the Son of God faced rejection, betrayal, pain, and death, we shouldn’t expect a pain-free life either. Hebrews 5:8 reminds us:

“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.”

Jesus learned obedience through suffering—not because He sinned, but because suffering refines and reveals our faith. When we suffer, we become more like Him.

The Struggle Produces Strength

God uses hardship to strengthen and shape us. In Romans 5:3-4, Paul writes:

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope.”

The trials we face aren’t wasted. They produce patience, deepen our character, and ultimately lead us to a stronger, more hopeful faith. Difficulty isn't a sign God has abandoned you—it’s proof that He’s refining you.

Final Thoughts
Walking with Jesus is the most rewarding journey you’ll ever take—but it won’t always be easy. It requires sacrifice, faith, endurance, and trust. But even in the darkest valleys, He walks with you. And on the other side of every trial is a deeper intimacy with the One who loves you most.

All Scripture in this article is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

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