Following God is hard because – He will call you to do something that will stretch you faith.

Ezekial had it tough. Not only did God call him to warn his people about their impending judgment (never a fun topic), but God also told him that they are a rebellious and stubborn people. What a bummer.  Can you see him getting ready for this speech?  Talk about a hostile audience.

Here is what tells Ezekiel:

4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, “This is what the Sovereign LORD says.”

 5 And whether they listen or fail to listen-for they are a rebellious house-they will know that a prophet has been among them.

6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house.

7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.

8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” (Ez. 2:4-8 NIV)

What a poor pep talk. God doesn’t even try to sugar coat things for Ezekiel. He says, “Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions.- Briers, thorns, and scorpions – way to freak a guy out!

Whenever we decide to follow God, we must be prepared to have our faith stretched. God understood that this was not an easy challenge for Ezekiel. This was not going to be a popularity speech by any stretch.

God also knows that when He calls you and I to a task, it is going to stretch us as well. That’s the point.

What is God calling you to do? Take courage from Ezekiel’s story. Read verse seven and apply that to your situation. Yes, it is going to be tough. Yes, people may not what to hear what you have to say, but God is saying, “You must speak my words to them.” God has called you for a purpose. Now pursue it!

Following God is hard because He will call you to do something that will stretch you faith.