We Have To Hurt Some

Lizzie is my daughter that really digs fashion.  She's our child that will dress up to hang out around the house.  And she has plans to work with fashion for a career when she grows up.

After the Christmas holidays, she came downstairs one morning in a new pair of boots.  They looked great.  I could tell she was proud of them.

"Ouch!  These new boots hurt my feet," Lizzie exclaimed.

"Sorry, Lizzie!  Why don't you just take them off and wear some other shoes today?" I replied.

My daughter stopped, looked at me, and said, "Fashion is pain, Dad."

So she still wore the boots.

That got me thinking along these lines:  If we want to look good, at times we have to hurt some.

Then, I took this idea even further, into other areas:

If we want to be successful professionally, at times we have to hurt some.

If we want to be healthy physically, at times we have to hurt some.

If we want to be strong financially, at times we have to hurt some.

If we want to enjoy positive relationships, at times we have to hurt some.

If we want to be true followers of Jesus, at times we have to hurt some.

My point is this:  Life is not always easy for anyone who rises to the top and excels.  Sacrifice, discipline, and hard work are key ingredients of success in any area.  And those do cause pain for a brief season.  But it's worth the short-term pain to reach big-time success.

Lizzie was right.

A wise saying from a young girl!

Jesus Christ succeeded in saving humankind, and He definitely had to hurt physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  He paid a price.  But He felt we were worth it.

Do you want to succeed in your life?  That's great.  Go for it!  But do prepare yourself:  You will have to hurt some.  And when you do feel the pain, remember that achieving victory will be worth it.  Totally worth it!