LIFE IS DIFFICULT

Friday, May 26, 2006

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33


Tim Hansel writes good stuff. His devotional on page 146 of the excellent book, Keep On Dancin', Daily Readings to Celebrate Life addresses the topic of trouble in this world.

There is no question that life is difficult. In fact, it has been said that God promises four things: peace, power, purpose, and TROUBLE. For example, in the verse above Jesus reminds us quite boldly that in the world there will be trouble. But we are not merely to endure it. We are to “be of good cheer,” for He has overcome the world.

Many of us have only gotten half the message. We recognize the difficulty of life and drearily drag ourselves through each day, mumbling about our burdens. (I’ve heard it said that “some Christians have just enough Christianity to make them miserable.”) It can be different—but the choice is ours.