Do you know what happens the first day a new Chick-fil-A restaurant opens? Dozens of locals leave their warm beds behind, bring their tents, and camp out in the parking lot, sometimes in grumble-worthy temperatures. Sounds less than wonderful, doesn’t it?
Before you answer, I should tell you two things. First, Chick-fil-A has a tradition of giving a year of free food to the first one hundred customers in line on an opening day. In other words, if you can make it through a rough night of sleep, you are rewarded with 365 days of delicious chicken! Second, Chick-fil-A’s CEO flies around the country for these events, sleeping among the customers and rising at 6 a.m. to welcome them to the day of their great reward.
Sounds a bit like Christianity, doesn’t it? Following Jesus isn’t always easy. Like sleeping on concrete on a rainy night, denying ourselves the pleasure of an extra drink, forgiving those who hurt us, and putting other people first can be extremely uncomfortable. Yet Jesus has promised us a great reward—a front-row seat to the Father that endures forever, a sight that will instantly and eternally make us happier than anything in this life (even good chicken!). If that wasn’t enough, Jesus promised to be with us until the Last Day arrives. Right by your side. Close enough to hear your prayers. Near enough to help you out.
So, Christian, believe that your faith is worth it, even when Jesus costs you. Your Savior promised, “Surely I will be with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
