A Life of Ease Is a Fallacy
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to humanity. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Life is not easy. No one lives a life free of struggle and pain. Yet, it is a human trait to continue to strive for a life of ease. So, rather than trying to achieve freedom from a burden, perhaps praying for the wisdom and emotional maturity to embrace resilience would be a more reasonable response.
Ayesha S. Ratnayake, in her book Cheat Sheets For Life, helps us re-examine how we experience life’s challenges. Ratnayake provides recommendations for resilience, including “See stress as a stimulus.” Without stress, we lose our focus. The struggle also helps us “Find the meaning.” Ratnayake argues, “Love, work, parenting, and pursuing goals all involve stress.” Any good parent will admit that raising children is extremely challenging but rewarding and the most significant learning experience.
Ratnayake addresses the positives of what many consider failures. She states, “People who’ve experienced 5-7 major setbacks have a higher quality of life and greater confidence to weather adversity.” Enduring adversity provides the ability to appreciate life’s pleasures. Most shockingly, Ratnayake intones, “Incredibly, male Holocaust survivors lived longer than men of the same age who escaped Nazi rule. Despite all odds, these survivors experienced post-traumatic growth which enhanced their later years of life.” Hope provides resilience, and resilience offers growth even in the worst circumstances imaginable.
Today, prayerfully ponder the challenges you have faced in your life. Then, consider what your life would look like if all your life’s burdens had been taken from you. How would you be different? Would you be as strong and resilient? Would you have the skills to meet an uncertain future? Would you know how to rely upon God when the divine One’s care was never necessary for your improvement? If, like me, you can see the blessings your challenges have wrought, ask God to give you the gift of resilience found in challenges endured and conquered.
