Hard Life
“Suffering produces endurance…character…and hope” (Rom. 5:3b–4a).
A dear friend of mine asked me recently: “Why is life so hard?” There must be a million reasons why life seems hard. I couldn’t tell why hers was; she was fighting with it. But as I have pondered her situation my thoughts took a different course: Is there any advantage in life’s struggles?
In 1968 I happened upon a little book of short poems. I well remember this one, “A Maxim for Vikings.” It goes like this: “Here is a fact//that should help you fight a bit longer://Things that don’t actually kill you outright//make you stronger” (Grooks, Piet Hein). I have used this thought often since then; it applies in this case perfectly.
Will I drown in my sorrows? Or will I stand and prevail over them? And where will I find the help and counsel to overcome?
Knowing the following truth from nature can give anyone clear focus to keep going. It has been suggested that facing the wind causes a tree to become stronger. It’s true; Here’s why. Wind pushes against the tree, swaying the trunk, sometimes harshly. This puts sufficient tension on young roots that they tear apart at thin sections. To compensate, the roots branch out into several new roots at each broken spot, giving the tree more support than it would have without the storm. The flexing of the trunk also causes its cells to bulk up, making the trunk stouter. In the same way, storms in our lives cause us to grow in new areas, making us stronger.
This is what Paul said in the opening citation: Difficulties demand endurance, which in turn hones our character and gives us hope. The Christian Rock group, Needtobreathe in their song, Hard Love, said it this way: “Hold on tight a little longer//What don’t kill ya, makes ya stronger//Get back up, ’cause it’s a hard love//You can’t change without a fallout//It’s gon’ hurt, but don’t you slow down//Get back up, ’cause it’s a hard love.” God uses difficulty the way He designed storms: to increase our strength.
One worldly wag said it this way: “If you’re walking through Hell; keep walking.” How obvious and wise!
If your life is turmoil and difficulty, reach out to someone who knows the way, someone who has been through it, someone who has been strengthened by the challenges we all face. That someone is your source of wisdom and encouragement. You can do this.
Becoming strong is the benefit of staying the course; keep walking,
Rod MacArthur
206.949.0325
rod_macarthur@comcast.net