Have you heard the axiom, “If God is in it, it will be easy” OR “If it’s God’s will, it will be smooth.” Maybe you’ve even said it to a friend.
It’s common advice that gets offered in Christian circles when someone is questioning a particular path or choice in life.
The friend is unclear or confused if they are headed in the right direction so wisely they seek counsel from others they respect. In that vulnerable moment the well worn phrase, “If God is in it, it will be easy” finds its way into the conversation.
If God wants you to marry this person it will be easy.
If God wants you to start this business it will be easy.
If God wants you to take this new job it will be easy.
If God wants you to have this house it will be easy.
If God wants you to go to a particular school it will be easy.
If God wants you to finish your degree it will be easy.
If God wants you to have children it will be easy.
If God wants you to stay married it will be easy.
This is the worst advice ever.
I wonder how many people gave up on something God really wanted for them because they received this counsel. I wonder how many people gave up on their dreams because they encountered some struggles along the way and mistakenly thought God wasn’t in it.
Based on a casual reading of the Bible it seems you would be safer to say, “If it’s easy, God ain’t in it” or “If it’s hard, it’s what God wants for you.”
If you aren’t convinced…
What about the 12 Spies?
Remember the story of the 12 Spies that went to check out the Promised Land for Israel? 10 came back and said it wasn’t easy…it was too hard…God’s not in it. An entire nation fell for the myth, “If it’s of God it will be easy.” They wandered around in the wilderness for the next 40 years.
What about Joseph?
God let him in on the amazing things He had planned for his life. But from then on it was anything but smooth sailing. He was sold into slavery. He was arrested and convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Imagine telling Joseph, “If you really heard from God you wouldn’t be sitting in a dungeon.”
What about Moses?
If God really told you to lead His people out of Egypt don’t you think it would have been easier? Would Pharaoh really have changed his mind that many times? Would you really need 10 plagues and the Red Sea? Maybe God was trying to tell you it wasn’t His will Moses?
What about Paul?
If God really had called Paul to be an apostle and start churches wouldn’t his journey be smooth? Here is how Paul describes his life… I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. -1 Corinthians 11:23-27
I guess Paul missed God’s path for his life. I would have expected more from the guy who wrote most of the New Testament.
Seriously, can you imagine if Paul was just starting his journey and was seeking advice from Christians today? I wonder if we would even know his name. Many Christians today would have chased him far away from what God was actually doing because everyone knows… “If God is in it, it will be easy.”
We could keep going…
What about John the Baptist? (ahem…beheaded)
What about Jesus? (ahem…crucifixion)
What about Hebrews 11?
Speaking of Hebrews 11…have we forgotten that we walk by faith? You don’t need faith when things are easy and smooth.
Hardships are what prove your faith is genuine, not smooth sailing (1 Peter 1:7).
Like I said earlier, you might be safer to assume that if something is easy there’s a good chance God isn’t in it.
Have we also forgotten that we have an enemy that doesn’t want to see us succeed? Might that be a factor as well?
So if you find yourself in a place that’s difficult, if you find yourself in a place that seems opposite of what your dreams and goals are…BE ENCOURAGED! There’s a very good chance you are exactly right where you are supposed to be.
I heard Rick Warren say once that the only thing that grows fast (easily) are weeds and cancer. When God wants to grow a mushroom he takes 6 days. When He wants to grow an oak tree he takes 60 years.
Don’t be discouraged by your rough road. Know that God is using it to grow you and smooth not the path but your rough edges.
When you step back and actually think about this well-worn mantra of “If it’s easy then God is in it” it sounds kind of silly. Because everyone knows that anything of importance is difficult. In fact, the more important the more difficult it is.
Becoming a doctor is difficult.
Starting a successful business is difficult.
Being a great parent is difficult.
Having a lasting and deep friendship is difficult.
BUT they are all worth it…despite being difficult.
The real result of this axiom is not clarity but doubt.
The Christian friend is hoping to give clarity to the person who is unsure of their circumstances and the path they are on. But all they really gave is self-doubt and lots of second-guessing. The resulting consequence is abandonment of their God-given dreams.
Your circumstances have no correlation to how God feels about you.
Your circumstances are not an indicator of whether you are on the right or wrong path (remember Job).
Your circumstances are not a reflection of God’s approval of your choices.
My sweet wife says it this way, “Your circumstances don’t equal God’s truth for your life.” She is a wise woman.
If you fall for the lie that your circumstances equal God’s truth for you some days you’ll think God hates you. You’ll doubt His goodness and faithfulness.
Circumstances are just life. Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble, but don’t be afraid for I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33.
In this world…as you pursue your dreams…as you follow the path God has for you… you will have trouble. Jesus said nothing about smooth sailing.
Be encouraged. Nothing is wrong with you. God isn’t mad at you. God isn’t punishing you. God is growing you. Stay the course.
I’d hate to see you wondering in a wilderness for 40 years of your life because you thought God’s plan for your future was supposed to be easy.
If you’ve reached the messy middle keep rowing. Hold on to your dreams despite your present difficulties.
If you are thinking about quitting because of a few storm clouds…don’t. This is the first of many. Might as well get your sea legs early. Chin up. Eyes forward.
