The Value of Struggle: Finding Purpose in Our Trials

"A dog needs just enough fleas to keep it from fretting about being a dog."

People often strive for a perfect life, seeking a state free of stress. Some individuals become preoccupied with every penny, meticulously saving for retirement, while others spend as if a fortune will magically appear in their later years.

Yesterday, while having lunch, I shared a brief conversation with a friend who spoke about his elderly father. He quoted the phrase above, suggesting that his father requires a challenge or responsibility. We don’t need a flawless existence or an endless supply of money; rather, we need a bit of stress, a challenge, or some responsibility in our daily lives. Without tasks or challenges to engage us, we risk becoming unproductive.

If we are created in the image of God, it raises an important question: As I age, should I ever plan on quitting? Or should I continually stretch and adjust my life in ways that present new challenges?

Consider God—how old is He? Remarkably, He continues to work and face challenges every day. You might say, "Oh, but He is God." However, I am His child, and I aspire to grow and become more than I am today. Thus, I should express gratitude for the challenges I encounter daily, recognizing that they enable me to reach my fullest potential.

A fitting verse to remember in times like this is, James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."