Why is Life Hard and What Can we Do About It?
“Where the heck is easy street?”…this is a sign many of us might like to hang around our necks! Following Christ is no cake walk. Jessica brings God’s Word to light as to His purposes and goodness as we face difficult times in life.
Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
How badly I wish choosing to follow Christ meant life would became easy and smooth, without bumps, bruises or storms. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we were promised ease?
In my finite mind, it makes so much sense. I mean what a campaign slogan, “Follow Me and Life Will Be a Piece of Cake! I Promise!”
Praise God He’s not finite! I’m grateful He knows so much better than me. Turns out God gives us a formula that proclaims quite the opposite of my moral ideals in James 1.
Humanity = Trials
Trials = Testing of your faith
Faith Testing = Steadfastness
Steadfastness = Completion/perfection/lacking NOTHING!
If we believe God’s Word is true then the bumps, bruises and storms are actually for our good. Here are a few helpful steps for enduring these promised trials.
- Expect it. I’m challenged by James’ directness. He doesn’t say “…IF you meet trials…” He calls it like it is. God’s Word proclaims, “Count it all joy…WHEN you meet trials.” From Psalm 23:4 to John 16:33 to Romans 5:3 there’s no denying this side of heaven we will undoubtedly face trials. Scripture is replete with examples of Godly men and women who endured trials of many kinds. They produced true grit as they suffered. We can expect life to get hard. So get ready.
- Prepare for it. Trials test our faith; therefore, we need to be sure our faith is strong and able to endure. Setting aside intentional time in God’s Word and prayer are just a couple of the practical ways we can beef up our faith strength. Living in encouraging community and serving in a local church will also help to grow our ability to withstand trials. Be ready so when the trials come, we can stand.
- Have hope in it. Scripture promises that in steadfastness we will be perfect and complete. The mark of a believer is his contentment. No matter our trials, we know the final score so we can choose to be content in all circumstances (Phil 4:12). Christ’s death and resurrection makes us holy, perfect, without blemish. Our eternity is secure. Remain hopeful in the storm. The battle is already won!
So get ready, brothers and sisters. Though Christ’s campaign slogan may not promise a “piece of cake” life, in His infinite wisdom, He came up with something so much better…
Camper Corner:
- What are some ways you can strengthen your faith every day?
- What is a trial you’re facing today?
- Can you see a way that this trial can make you better/stronger/more mature?
