Why is Life so Hard Sometimes?

By Missy Butler
Guest Writer

CBN.com –As the well known American humorist Erma Bombeck once said, “If life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits?”

We can all certainly relate can’t we? Let’s face it many times that’s exactly what life can be…THE PITS!

The truth of the matter is at this precise moment a universal "battle of the wills" is going on. And if you happen to be one who is insisting on having your "own will" then your world is the way it is, because it's the world you have, in a sense, asked for.

Remember the story of Adam and Eve? God instructed them to only eat from the Tree of Life, and not partake of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? So what did they do? They ate the forbidden fruit in spite of His warning. They "willfully" partook of that fruit with the idea that they could ignore what He said and strike out on a life apart from Him.

Adam and Eve figured that they could become like God...without God! They were of the notion that there was something more valuable in existence than God himself, something more valuable than having a personal relationship with God. And this world system, as we know it today, with all of its faults and evils, is a direct result of the choice they made.

Their story is the story of all of us isn't it? Who hasn't at some time said, (if not out loud) at least in their heart, "God, I think I can take it from here. I'll just go this one alone. I appreciate your offer, but I think I have a good handle on things now." And off we go, trying to make our life "work" without any help from God.

And what is God's response? He allows it.

He lets us have the very thing we insist upon. All the while, like a loving Father becomes deeply pained and grieved, as He is forced to watch his head-strong child walk directly into one disastrous situation after another, knowing full well what lies ahead.

The result? We end up experiencing the very painful consequences of others' or our own willful actions that run contrary to God's will. Things such as killing, stealing, lying, greed, adultery, sexual abuse, murder, hatred, war and on and on it goes, this being the direct result of people refusing to give God access and influence over their lives. They go about living life as they see fit, and end up suffering terribly because of it.

"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way." (The Bible, Isaiah 53:6)

So what is God's solution to mankind's awful dilemma? He sent His own beloved Son, Jesus Christ to show us the way "back" to Himself.

"For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:17, 16).

Jesus said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

In the midst of our difficulties, we can have the peace of knowing that Christ is with us -- and He gives us strength to overcome the challenges, and His joy and peace in the midst of the storm.

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).

Do You Want a Relationship with God?

If you want this kind of relationship with God, pray this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you took the pain of the cross to give me new life. I ask you to come into my life and to give me your peace and joy. I confess that I am a sinner -- that I have gone my own way and have done wrong. Please forgive me for my sins. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow you and to serve you all my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God. The things of your old life have passed away and He has made all things new.

We want to join you in celebrating your new life. Please send us an e-mail to let us know that you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior. Or you can call our Prayer Counseling Center at (800) 759-0700. A caring friend is available to talk with you and send you some resources to help you begin your walk with the Lord.