Why Life Won’t Get Easier And How to Keep Moving Forward

Embracing God's Strength Amidst Lifelong Challenges.

March 2nd, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

There's a pervasive belief that if we can just overcome our current challenges, life will become easier. This notion, though appealing, often leads to disappointment. We think, "If I can just find a romantic partner, make it through grad school, marry and settle down, have children, survive the diaper stage, survive the terrible twos, survive the teen years, find a better job, retire then, finally, all will be well." However, this perspective doesn't align with the reality many of us face.

Consider the various stages of life. We often anticipate that the next phase will bring relief, only to find new challenges awaiting us. For instance, parents may look forward to their children becoming more independent, hoping for reduced stress, but then encounter the complexities of teenage years. Similarly, professionals might aim for retirement as a period of rest, yet face unforeseen health issues or the loss of loved ones during that time.

The Bible provides numerous examples that counter the expectation of an ever-easing life. Take Nehemiah, for instance. Tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, he faced relentless opposition. His adversaries employed tactics ranging from mockery to threats against his life. Even after completing the wall, Nehemiah confronted internal challenges among his people, reminding us that hardships are a consistent part of the human experience.

John Newton, in his hymn "Amazing Grace," acknowledges enduring "dangers, toils, and snares," yet emphasizes God's unwavering presence through them all. This sentiment reflects the biblical truth that while life is fraught with challenges, we are not alone. God's grace sustains us, offering hope and strength.

It's essential to shift our perspective from seeking an easier life to seeking a deeper reliance on God amidst our trials. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of learning to be content in all circumstances, drawing strength from Christ (Philippians 4:11-13). This contentment doesn't stem from external ease but from an internal trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Moreover, statistics indicate that a significant number of retirees face increased challenges post-retirement, such as health issues or loss of social connections. This reality underscores that no stage of life is devoid of difficulties. Instead of anticipating a trouble-free season, we can prepare our hearts to trust God more deeply through each trial.

In embracing this mindset, we find that our hardships can draw us closer to God, refining our character and deepening our faith. As James writes, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3).

Therefore, rather than longing for an easier path, let's seek God's presence and strength in our current journey. By doing so, we transform challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth, experiencing the profound peace that comes from walking with Him.

If you found this article encouraging, consider sharing it with others or subscribing to our newsletter for more inspirational content.