This is a question we all ask or have asked at some point in life. We wonder why life is so hard. We can’t understand why things have the way they do. Why do we get a bad health report? Why do we go from financially secure to broke? Why did we lose a job? Our conclusion is often, “This just isn’t fair!” Many possess the mentality that life should not be difficult and we should get a bailout when things get tough. Christians have fallen into the trap of erroneous teaching that a relationship with Christ means that we have an easy life. So why is life so difficult?
- The Bible promised it. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Paul told Timothy that “the godly in Christ Jesus SHALL suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Dear child of God, you are a threat to the devil. He will do anything to paralyze you from obeying God. Expect it! Be prepared for it by using your God-given tools to defeat the enemy.
- Some of us create our own drama. Do you know people who create their own drama? We can often eliminate our own heartache by making good choices. Actions have consequences, so none of us should be surprised when we reap what we sow. We can’t expect to do foolish things and see great results.
- The actions of others affect us. For example, divorce had a rippling effect upon my life. I never realized the magnitude of how it would affect me and others involved even 3 1/2 years after the initial separation. It affected a church, adults, children, other family, and friends. It hit me financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Sometimes we have to suffer because of something someone else did or things we may have neglected. People make choices to remove themselves from our lives, and we are left with the aftermath. It may be a prodigal child who never calls. We may potentially be the innocent party and suffer from someone else’s decision.
I’m sure the list could be longer. Don’t expect to go through life without problems. Do know where your help comes from, and that God stands ready to give you His all-sufficient grace. He won’t always correct everything, but He can give you peace even when everything else is falling apart. Call out to Him, and He will answer.
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
Amen. So true and how blessed we are to be able to turn to our Lord in our times of trouble. He carries us and gives us the peace that passes understanding.
Praise the Lord!
I still have hope that everything will be “corrected” though (although probably not as we imagine it to be) because “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. The Lord bless you, Pastor Matt!
I, like you, want it to be “corrected”. I do struggle sometimes when it doesn’t happen the way I expect. I must trust that God knows best.
I struggle too 🙂 God grant me more faith and eyes to see!
Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord shall deliver him from them all.
Praise God for deliverance!
That whole “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow” (with emphasis on the “through”,) and then, “Thou art with me…” It’s not “if”, it’s assumed that the valley does happen, and expected that God will be faithful through it. We don’t have to spiritually camp out there (unless, of course, we choose to, I suppose.)
Great observations from Psalm 23!
Well said, thank you for the encouragement. My personal observation is to have the mindset of knowing Jesus Christ already WON! Thereby standing on the victory and living our lives accordingly. He set the example, He had His own trials carrying the weight of us all, always in prayer and never giving up. His trust, his faith was/is in the Father. He gave us His Spirit to endure the trials plaguing us, we must rely on His strength (as you have pointed out), knowing the war has been won. God bless.
Thank you again.
Let me take this opportunity to thank you as well for visiting me 🙂 Shalom.
I’m thankful that God used this to encourage you. All the glory goes to Him!
Amen.