No great accomplishment in human history has been achieved without much labor and sacrifice. This is still true today.
While “Juan Tamad” is a much admired character, the reality is the very opposite. We cannot expect to achieve much by simply waiting for things to happen. Behind every success story is a man or woman who gave it all (s)he’s got to make things happen. Successful people exert more effort than others. They work while others sleep, accept responsibility for failure while others look for someone to blame, refuse to accept defeat easily, look at problems as challenges, inspire others to excel, and have a positive outlook in life.
The road to success is never easy. Einstein was a slow learner and many thought he would amount to nothing. Beethoven was deaf and blind when he composed his greatest symphonies. Bill Gates, the one-time richest man in the world, was a school drop out. These men persevered in spite of great difficulties.
For the Christian, this is how Paul puts it: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). While we depend on God’s grace, we have the responsibility to struggle amidst the trials and temptations of this world. The Christian life is not a walk in the park. We must take up our s cross daily. “Fiery trials” should not surprise us.
But in the end, what awaits us is glory. Not because of our works, but because of the work of Christ. When He returns, we will share in His glory.