Easy Isn’t Necessarily Better

School came easy to me. Things that were difficult I avoided. Basketball required too much practice so I quit. The flute meant I had to try hard to be first chair…I stopped. I avoided classes in college that were difficult and opted to do what came easily.

For most of my life I assumed if God wanted me to do something it would come easy. Doors would swing open, ideas would flow, and people would praise me.

I agreed with what American culture told me: life should be easy for everyone. We want weight loss in three easy steps. Money should be quick and easy to make. When it isn’t we feel cheated out of “the easy life.” Doesn’t everyone deserve an easy life?

Jesus gives us a different view of life. ““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)

In this world…trouble…A promise of trouble, but also a promise of victory. Jesus has overcome the world – in Him we have victory. Not only does He promise victory, but He promises peace in the midst of our troubles. Peace in Christ in the midst of puppy training, kids whining, struggling with infertility, and a loved one’s health issues.

Perhaps God knows we need trouble. Isn’t it trouble that drives us to our knees? Is there any other time in life when we cling to God? Yet we seek to find peace in our circumstances not our God. Jesus knew our tendency to root our peace in easy times so He gave us a remedy. He tells us in Me you may have peace. Oh how easily we forget and oh how we need trouble to keep us rooted to Him.

I have heard it called God’s severe mercy. He is willing to let us go through difficult things so we know Him more, become more like Him, and know Him better. He is good to not leave us as we are, but to draw us into a victorious life through His Son.