Difficulties. No matter how we may try, there is no way to avoid them! We will all face our “portion” of difficulty in life.
Most of the time, the difficulties we face aren’t our fault. Sadly, sometimes they are. In whichever way we encounter them, there is also a choice before us. That choice is how we will respond. Here are a few responses that are common:
- We can become bitter.
- We can allow ourselves to be imprisoned by the circumstances.
- We can endure or “muscle through” them.
- We can recognize the multiple lessons to be learned and not allow ourselves to become discouraged and downcast.
“No Respecter of Persons”
Please take special note of what I’m about to state next. There is no magical recipe that allows you to walk through the hardships of life without feeling the weight of the struggle. Nor do I believe we’re ever able to reach a level of maturity – spiritual or otherwise – that will keep us from getting tired in our battles. The reality is that we will all experience sorrow and weariness around the circumstances and losses we encounter along life’s journey.
Perspective Matters
I will suggest that we be honest about what happens to us and bring a biblical perspective to all we encounter. I have discovered that my perspective, which includes the expectations of life I hold, determine how I will manage and respond to the difficulties in my life.
Friends, it is so crucial for us to acquire and cling to the truth of what God has promised for our earthly sojourn. The truth I see through the whole of Scripture is that we are not guaranteed a life of continuous victory over every struggle. God does not promise us a life of deliverance and escape from all the evil that surrounds us. I find no promises stating we will be spared from calamity, tragedy, failure, frustration, or broken dreams and desires.
The biblical perspective I do hold and believe is that our God is sovereign and invites us to live our lives trusting Him with our future. His promise is to always be with us no matter how dark our experience becomes. God is all wise (Romans 16:27) and in His wisdom allows each of us to experience a unique mix of trouble – troubles that will always be marked by His great love and grace that can alone sustain our hearts (James 4:6). He is the master Creator of life and knows what He is doing (Colossians 1:17). And if we belong to God, we are told His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11). Yet that “good” does not keep us from the many difficulties of life.
The Mystery and the Majesty
Herein lies the mystery and majesty. In the face of our challenges, will we recognize that there is a purpose and good greater and higher than only experiencing ideal and comfortable circumstances? If we are to do so, we must accept that not only does the world not revolve around our happiness, but we are also not in charge. In addition, we must remember that we are only children of God by His merciful grace.
So, here is my recipe for staying engaged in difficulty. First, familiarize yourself with God’s written word and recognize that there hasn’t been a person born who hasn’t experienced a sizable amount of trouble and heartache. I could even make the case that the greatest earthly examples of godliness have experienced the greatest amount of difficulty. Jesus, God’s Son, and our Savior is certainly at the front of the line for suffering. The apostles, as well as great men and women throughout the ages have lived lives of significant difficulty. So, why should I be excited?
I view life as a privilege. Yes, the hardships are many, and as I age, they also appear to increase with the accumulation of years. The joys, however, make up for the difficulties. The biggest and most profound joy comes from recognizing that God has made a way for us to spend eternity with Him in a place where all sorrow and suffering will be gone. And this is a pure gift that none of us deserve! (Romans 6:23). Oh, what joy to know that God has paid the price for me and all who call on his name, that we can be with Him in heaven!
Our Source of Strength
It is the acceptance of this gift, coupled with fixing our eyes on Him, that provides us with the strength to persevere and not lose hope. In Romans 8:18, Paul writes that he considers the sufferings of this present time not worth comparing to the glory ahead. James tells us to persevere through our trials, so that we may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. The Apostle Peter states in I Peter 4:12-16, to not be surprised by our fiery trials, as we share in Christ sufferings. And in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Paul again describes our difficulties as light and momentary afflictions (which we know don’t always seem so light). But do we get the point of all these verses?
Jesus suffered greatly, as did all the apostles, and we should not expect anything different. So, today, will you ensure your expectations are appropriately matched to God’s Word and then seek His strength to learn how to suffer graciously – even thankfully. May God change our perspective so that we learn to rejoice in and through our suffering – knowing He has counted us worthy to be partakers of His love and purposes – now and forever.
