The Challenges of Life 

   “The span of our life numbers seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we have enough strength.  Most of them are marked by toil and emptiness; they pass swiftly, and then we fly away.” (Psalm 90: 10) 

   This scripture presents a rather depressing notion.  No one wants to consider the shortness of life and certainly not the trials life brings.  But such is our destiny.  We can’t change it and we have no way of knowing when this life will be over.

   But instead of allowing the challenges of life to bring us down we can, instead, accept that God is in charge and all that comes to us is part of His will, even the hardships and issues we face as we grow older.  There is nothing of value that doesn’t include some suffering and hard work; life is no different.

   Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11: 29 – 30).  When we accept His yoke the hardships become easier to bear; we have the help of the Lord to bolster our efforts.

   Life is a journey, a journey from exile to our final home in God’s kingdom.  Some make the journey successfully and some give up, abandoning it because they refuse to accept the challenges that come.  For those who take Christ’s yoke upon them and pick up their cross daily and follow Him, the journey becomes an adventure in love, trust, and faith.

   When we take the challenge and walk the path God puts before us we will discover what God has prepared for those who love Him, the joy, happiness, and love of His heavenly kingdom.