If I were God, my life would be easy. I’d be satisfied with my relationships, my resources, my activities. I would be spared trouble.
But I’m not God (duh!) and an easy life would not be good for me.
The Dangers of an Easy Life
Self-Sufficiency
Did you catch the use of “my” in the first sentence? If “my” life were easy. “My” relationships, “my” resources, “my” activities. I would think I had it made and that I didn’t need God.
Pride
If my life were easy, I would think my easy life was because of my talents, my behavior, my wonderfulness. I might look at people having a hard time and be smug about my own life. God hates pride.
Lack of Growth
If my life were easy, I wouldn’t feel the need to grow. “Why bother? I’ve got it made.”
The Benefits of Trouble
The Bible details a number of benefits of trials. (See, for example, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:6-7.) Right now, though, look at the three dangers of an easy life and how trouble affects them.
Less Self-Sufficiency
Trouble takes us out of our comfort zone. The worse the trouble, the more we know we can’t rely on our own resources, and the more we need God.
Less Pride
Trouble breaks down pride. If we were perfect, after all, we wouldn’t have this trouble!
Growth
Trouble requires us to behave differently, to learn. We can’t do everything like we’ve always done it. God uses trouble to make us more like Christ.
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Father, thank You for trouble. Thank You that You love us so much You don’t let us stay in a comfortable rut, but push us out into rough water where we learn to rely on You. Thank You for helping us see our worth in You, and also our need for humility and reliance on You. Thank You that You are making us into the image of Your Son, and that You wisely use trouble as a tool.
