Jesus never says the Kingdom of Heaven “will suddenly and without notice drop into your lap.” He never said “the Kingdom is only for a certain type of person, and you probably aren’t it.” And Jesus definitely never preached “the Kingdom of Heaven is full of only perfect people, so perfect yourself.”

On multiple occasions, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to: fields/farming, people who are diligent with what they have, and an open invitation. The pattern is easy to spot. The Kingdom of Heaven is one of slow and steady action tied to faith, and it doesn’t have to be giant faith. 

All too often in my life I’ve wanted something quick and easy. I didn’t believe in endurance or perseverance. I didn’t believe I was a seed or a field or what I had was good enough. I constantly judged my life and consequently my relationship with God by my circumstances. I often felt glued to the same sins and flaws.

But I wasn’t. Despite being unaware of what He was doing, He continued to work on me. He continued to love me, to guide me, and comfort me- through bitterness and self pity, doubt and shame, fear and cynicism. He never left or stopped loving me. 

He has not or will not leave you. Keep going. The redemption of pain and heart ache is a satisfying cup to sip.