Struggles

I can best write of my personal experience about life. My life is rich although limited economically. I have not had the fortune of great wealth although I have been blessed with adequacy. This will limit my perspective on issues that are tied to life struggles in the area of riches.

The poverty stricken is apt to experience stress in survival necessities, i.e., food, clothing and shelter. These three things are the basics for long survival. Health is a very critical factor and I don’t mean to leave that part out intentionally. The wealthier may have stress of maintaining a lifestyle they are accustomed to. Hence, everybody on the face of this earth experiences struggles. Sickness is indiscriminate when it comes to wealth.

Can one put their trust in wealth? No, because there are many stories of failures in the life of the rich and famous. The stress is there. Of recent note is the terrible economy. Many have lost life savings and fortunes. Often poor health has brought on their struggles. Humanity is all subject to becoming poor. How can we escape?

The rescue can happen in the midst of the most catastrophic event. It involves a confidence in a dependable source. I believe that is why the spiritually minded have greater peace in times of stress than those without such faith. It is imperative that humanity recognize specific purpose in life as opposed to randomness or luck of the draw. The losses I’ve had are turned into lessons I’ve learned.

It is most difficult for logic and reasoning that goes beyond the natural to capture the foundational premises of Christianity. The true belief of Christians lies within a person. The historical Jesus came to bring life and a hope of a brighter future in a time of great turmoil in humanity. The key is acceptance of Him and confidence in His declarations. You must realize there is no promise of restoration to our liking. When we become His, He makes us what we need to be for the greater cause.

The promise of contentment in whatever state (condition, circumstance) we are in is conveyed by the learned Paul the Apostle. His struggles certainly demonstrate a deep dependence upon a higher power. He was a man of means who, because of his choice to be a disciple of Christ, was denigrated and imprisoned. His greatest work was done at the seeming low point in his life. In fact we use him as example of the keeping power of God for all trials and tribulations we face. There was a “knowing” that maintained his life along the way. He not only knew, but he was persuaded of a better outcome.

If you are living this life; breathing, communicating, etc., then you will have struggles. But be assured your life is being tested for purpose. Don’t blow it! Find the inner strength to believe and follow Christ regardless of problems.