Struggles bring Christians closer to God, speaker asserts

ARLINGTON—At times, ministry—like life itself—will be a struggle, said Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love and pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, Calif. After all, he noted, the Bible predicts Christ’s followers will be persecuted and face challenges.

But the God of the Bible also strengthens his servants, Chan told the Youth Ministry Conclave, a Texas Baptist-sponsored event in Arlington.

As believers seek to expand God’s kingdom, they will encounter obstacles, Chan said, noting he’s recently experienced challenges within his church and went through a period where he dealt with anger as a result of the situation. He went as far to say that “he lost his grace” with other people, losing part of his witness to others.

But if Christians turn to Christ during struggles, they can discover a new closeness to him. During trials, people are more willing to rely on God, he said.

He described meeting one of 23 Korean missionaries imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Two missionaries were killed during the hostage situation, and the others were released about six weeks later. The survivor Chan met said he’d never felt closer to Christ than during that experience.

“There’s something about suffering and this intimacy with Jesus that we don’t feel otherwise,” he said.

In times of struggle, God cares for his people, Chan said. He encouraged youth ministers and workers who are frustrated or ready to give up to forge on in their efforts to expand God’s kingdom.

“The God of all grace, he himself restores you, strengthens you, confirms you,” Chan said.