Do you do difficult things? On purpose?
Yes, I’m serious.
It might seem like an odd question, but I believe this is one of the things that we often avoid – doing difficult things – that can actually serve us well in life.
Why?
Because life can be hard.
Maybe not all the time. But if we’re honest, it’s more difficult more often than we’d like it to be. And I think a part of the issue is that somewhere along the way, we’ve bought into a false notion that life is actually supposed to be easy, comfortable.
Our “default” pretense for thinking about life has become smooth, easy, abundance, and blessing – at least here in North America. When we experience these things in our day-to-day living we believe that life is as it should be. And when it varies – even slightly – we wonder what gives.
We don’t like to struggle. We don’t like to be uncomfortable. We don’t like it when life doesn’t go our way or when we have to endure difficult things.
And yet, I believe, it’s in our DNA to do these very things.
I think we have been created to be over-comers, obstacle endure-ers, challenge-crushers. I believe that we are much more capable – much stronger – than we often give ourselves credit for. But most of us struggle to believe this because we prefer to operate out of comfort, security, giftedness and strength.
When we find ourselves in difficult situations we feel weak, vulnerable, fearful, and doubtful about our ability to bring about anything positive.
But what do you think might happen if we began to purposefully and intentionally engage in challenging endeavors? What if we quit limiting ourselves and start to “build up” our resiliency and resolve by regularly entering into challenges that seem beyond ourselves? And what would become of our faith if we began to look to God more consistently in times of struggle – not as the reason for our difficulty, but as the One who can give us the strength, endurance, and peace in the midst of the storm?
James says it like this:
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
And a little later he adds:
Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.
Working with God to do difficult things has a way of producing a confidence in our relationship with God, as well as a greater belief in ourselves, that has the potential to radically change the way we live our lives – especially in the midst of challenges.
SO, do you do difficult things? What is something challenging that you can engage in today that will stretch you and grow your resiliency and perseverance throughout your life?
Start small. It could be something like having a difficult conversation, committing to a new workout or diet plan, starting a new project, cleaning up your messy desk or room, or something else. It’s not about what you choose to do, but about how you choose to challenge yourself. Invite God to lead you through the experience – and leave the “results” up to Him.
Start today. Do it again tomorrow. And the day after that.
Don’t stop.
And don’t be surprised to see God do an amazing new work in you – and through you – as you intentionally challenge yourself with difficult things.
