Beyond Ease: How Struggles Shape Our True Purpose
The Lies We Believe: Why Life Isn't Meant to Be Easy
Most of us grow up believing that happiness, financial stability, good health, and an easy life are the things we should naturally expect. As Americans, these beliefs are deeply ingrained in us—they shape the culture we live in, the media we consume, and even the air we breathe. We may try to resist or question these ideas, but if we’re honest, we often buy into them.
But here’s the truth: These beliefs come with serious flaws.
The First Problem: These Expectations Are Simply Not True
The idea that life should be a smooth ride of comfort and success isn’t just unrealistic; it’s misleading. Everyone faces hardship. The truth is, unless Jesus returns first, we will all experience difficulties—some of them deeply painful.
If we hold on to the expectation that life is supposed to be easy, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. When trouble inevitably comes, we might feel confused, overwhelmed, or even hopeless.
But there’s hope. Jesus understood this. He didn’t promise us a life free from pain; in fact, He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The Second Problem: Chasing Ease Leads to a Shallow Life
When we start to believe that life is all about comfort and ease, we lose sight of what truly matters. We become self-centered, complacent, and bored. Life’s real purpose is not to accumulate wealth or indulge in luxury. It's in the struggles, the growth, the pain, and the battles that we face—both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.
These challenges—difficult as they are—connect us to something deeper. They draw us closer to Christ and build meaningful relationships with others. When we get caught up in the pursuit of comfort, we lose our connection to purpose, meaning, and community.
If you feel like you’re stuck in a gray world with no challenges, no real connections, or no sense of direction, there might be a subtle form of entitlement creeping into your heart. It’s not going to disappear on its own, but it can be uprooted. Here are some practical steps to help you break free from this mindset:
1. Shift Your Focus Away From Yourself
Let go of the idea that life owes you ease or comfort. Instead, trust God and embrace a life of adventure and expectancy. Hold your desires loosely before Him, without demanding that He meet your exact expectations. God has bigger plans than the comfort zone you may be clinging to.
2. Love God and Love People
Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27) When we focus on loving God and loving others, entitlement has no room to grow. Let go of selfishness and start investing in people.
3. Serve Others and Rejoice in Their Well-being
Jesus taught, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31) And even more profoundly, He said, "In humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4) Seek the good of others, and your heart will be set free from selfish desires.
4. Make Gratitude Your Lifestyle
Develop the habit of gratitude—express it often to God and to the people around you. Thankfulness and entitlement cannot coexist. The more you choose to live with a thankful heart, the more your sense of entitlement will fade, and your life will be filled with the joy and color of God’s Kingdom.
By adjusting our expectations fixing our focus on God, we can break free from the trap of entitlement and find meaningful purpose and fulfillment in the midst of life's difficulties.
With you,
~ Coach Tom
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P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are three ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!
1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document. It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead. Click Here
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