Can you imagine a life without any difficulties?  A life where everything went your way all the time?  I know for myself a couple of things would happen.  I would get very complacent and I would also assume the goodness came from my own efforts. My pride would fill a room. 

I often wonder, especially in the depths of trying times, why life has to be hard. When my mind goes there I have two realizations. Number 1 is that no matter how hard it gets, it’s still not as bad. I don’t know what it’s like to live in a war zone or to have a famine or drought or many of the difficulties realized in other countries.  Even in my darkest time, I am blessed. 

Number 2 is if everything was absolute perfection I would not understand the power of God that brings the light from the dark days. If all was perfect, I would have no compulsion to have God in my life. It is because of the imperfections in life, that I need the perfection and love of God.  I would not have to cling to Him in the hard times and I would not praise Him in the good if all was perfect all the time. 

I hate the bad times just like everyone else but I have learned that wisdom comes from that place. Empathy comes from that place. My heart focuses on God when I’m in that place.  I think it might be nice if life was easier, but it cannot be.  Human pride would take the place of God.  That would be a tragedy, for seeking God’s face through prayer and study is what gives life it’s meaning and beauty. 

I fully understand that is a tough concept. Suffering never makes sense especially when you are in the midst of it. It seems cruel of God to allow these things to happen. But perfection is not for this temporary life, perfection is waiting for us in the eternal life. Another tough concept.

This life is the only one we know so our minds think this is it. But this time is but a blink of an eye when eternity is the subject. The days and nights night seem to drag on and on to us but it shall all pass so quickly when placed along side of eternity

Many have made fun of my beliefs. They laugh at the ideas of prayer and eternity. They can laugh all they want. I have lived my life, I have climbed the hills and wallowed in the valleys. I know how it feels to be desperate and alone and I have seen the hand of God lift me from that despair.

In my older years, I have learned to accept the hard times. I still hate them, but I know that as long as my eyes and heart are on God it will pass and bring me a step closer the perfection of eternity I completely believe in.

If you are struggling today, please seek God. He is not some cruel dictator that enjoys dispensing pain and agony. He is a God of love and compassion. He delights in your joy and cries in your pain. Please do not give up on Him. Hang on tighter and He promises to be faithful.