The Easy Way Out

The other day, my daughter Micaela was climbing down the side of her bunk bed making all sorts of noise. Next, she bounded onto her sister’s bed. Wouldn’t it have been much easier to just climb down the ladder? Apparently, it was a lot more fun that way.

Honestly, this incident reminded me of myself and how I sometimes approach life. I often want the easy way out. I would much rather go through a hard time quickly than deal with the pain and heartache.  My heart breaks over broken relationships, loss of loved ones or injuries that take a while to heal. I want to get out of a hard time as quickly as I can, like my daughter Micaela wanted to get out of that bunk bed. But, God in His infinite wisdom uses these hard times to make me more like Jesus.

Shape my character

God uses these hard times to shape my character. It is in these times that God opens my eyes to ways that I am selfish. I can get too wrapped up in what I am going through that I miss out on the hurt in someone else’s life. How can I encourage someone else? How can I be a blessing to someone in their pain?

Carry my burdens

God also uses hard times to help me remember that He wants to carry my burdens.  (“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30) I am not intended to carry it all but I sure do try. I get worn out and overwhelmed all because I think I can handle it. And then I wonder why I struggle through my days.

Lean into God

God understands my pain even more than I do. It is in the hard times that I lean into God and His strength. I realize that I cannot do things on my own and I must rely on His strength alone. I learn even more about God’s character. He is faithful and trustworthy no matter what.

The next time you want the easy way out of a hard time ask yourself these questions: What could God be teaching me about myself? What could God be teaching me about His character? Is God enough for me?