Expect Difficulties

Some of us are optimists, and some are pessimists. I believe those who, like me, are realists are weird birds. We're the type who looks like the "half cup" of water and sees half a cup. We're also the ones who look at the data, and if it says things will likely go wrong, then we start looking around for what's about to break loose.

This isn't because we want something to go crazy or because we don't have faith that things will go well, we've learned that history tends to repeat itself.

The Apostle John writes:

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." –John 16:33 NLT

His words seem like wise advice from a realist to me. He wants to set the expectation that we'll all have difficulties, so be ready. If we have days when we don't, fantastic! Enjoy them, live into them, but don't let your guard down because life won't be like that forever. Morgan writes:

"Christians shouldn't be surprised when, in seeking to do God's will, we find ourselves trapped in painful, frightening, difficult, or impossible situations. Life is hard—especially for Christians. "–The Red Sea Rules, by Robert J. Morgan (Rule 1)

We can hope for the day in eternity when we no longer have to fight the good fight. Until that day, we keep asking God for strength and seek support from our fellow Christians.