it's not easy

Day 2 of

I know this isn't going to be new information for anyone, but it is one of those things that has to be said. It's one of those things that we should probably remind ourselves of everyday as we live in the trenches of a sinful world:

Life is not easy.

It's just not.  As much as we want it to be, as much as we sometimes pretend it to be, it's not, and never will be this side of heaven.

Sometimes that's really easy to believe, like when you hear about the conflict around the world, all the people losing their lives to illness and terrorism, or being abandoned, or sold into slavery and trafficked for terrifying reasons.

However, sometimes we convince ourselves that for some people, that statement does not ring true.  Don't believe that lie.  Even when you look around and see someone who 'has it all', don't be fooled by appearance.  It's just a mirage you are creating in your head. I bet 9 times out of 10, if you started a real conversation with that 'person who oozes the perfect life', they would be able to give you a list of the struggles that they face, the ways they feel insecure, and their need for something more.  For that 1 out of 10, just start praying immediately because chances are they are hiding something so deeply within themselves that they can't see the light of day.

By this time you're probably wondering why a series about Hope seems to be taking such a depressing turn.  I've got to admit I've even depressed myself a little bit in these last paragraphs, but take heart my friend because to be honest, sometimes the best thing that can happen to you is for life to NOT be easy!

If life were easy we wouldn't need help with anything, like ever.  At first glance some of you may think that that sounds pretty good. But think further about the things you have learned in life, about the people you have met, and the places you are now, because life is not easy.

I have fantastic friends who have walked alongside me in dark times.  We have carried each others' burdens and we have forged friendships that are built on solid foundations.  What would be the point of those long conversations with friends like that, talking through life's journey, if everything is all good?

I have learned more about myself through the dark times as I was searching for the light than any other times in life.  Who I am now and where I stand now is a direct correlation to life not being easy.

But most importantly, if life were easy and we could go zooming along with no problems, what would be the point of praising our Creator? What would be the point of leaning on our Savior? What would be the point of being guided by the Spirit? He is there and He is Good, and He is worthy to be praised.

  We were created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  To do everything for the glory of God.  Many many times that glory comes through hard and difficult times.  Unless you understand the bad you can't see the Good.

When we are told to "trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our understanding", there's a reason.  The reason is that things will happen that we cannot comprehend.  Something like that may have already happened to you, or someone you are close to.  Something that caused your heart to distrust others and want to hide. But don't...because He is there to give you Hope and a future.