So long as we continue to dwell in this space, breathing in and out air, then we can be certain that challenges are always bound to come our way. These challenges have become closely knitted with life, and they could be seen as trials from or of life. As a result, the living will always have these trails to contend with, day and night, momentarily and seasonally, by and large.
It has become an anthem today, especially in my part of the world of how hard life is or has become. You hear several laments of the daily challenges faced, be it at home, school, work or whatsoever. It's a constant cry. While we may have many situations to blame, I consider that life itself wouldn't have made it all easy for us. Those challenges or trials would still be in place, in some way.
What we do will be the difference. If challenges or trials are certain to be present, it means there's no escaping them. What then does one do to address this? Do we leave it to have its way, time without number? Or do we find a way to rally around it, and muster the strength and courage to confront the trials life presents?
Inasmuch as these trials can be overwhelming and so draining, I believe we have the duty to take charge of our lives rather than let the challenges of life do so. What do I mean in essence? Not folding hands and crying or lamenting, but using that pain and those heart-wrenching moments as motivation and the needed fuel to do the needful.
In my case, what I'll acknowledge foremost and most importantly as the drive that keeps me going amidst it all－because I've learned to not bow to trials or challenges－is the place of God and the promises of His word. This serves as a shield and comfort for me, that even when I feel weary, tired and overwhelmed, I'm reminded of His comfort and promises, all wrapped in His faithfulness. That then keeps me going. It's the ultimate fuel and motivation for me.
To mention also is the place of inspiration and motivation, drawn from the life of others who prevailed, and perhaps had it worse than I. I find myself having the thoughts and considerations that, if it were possible with so-and-so persons, who were not aliens, then it could be for me too. This, not in a form of comparison but in drawing motivation and inspiration for my trials.
Motivation and the will to dig on flows when I reason and see the demands and expectations on me. Not necessarily from people, but from life itself, from purpose, from myself and God. As I get encouraged and inspired by others’ stories, I see it mandatory that I don't give up, so as to prevail and be a motivation to others as well. It's about building an impactful life to an extent, and with such comes the zeal to prevail.
“Life is not a bed of roses”, and rightly so. And “as you prepare your bed, so shall you lie on it.” While we don't have the privilege to dictate what life should be like, we have it to plan how it should be for us, amidst the trials even. That starts with building a resilient mindset towards the challenges of life. Though “life is not a bed of roses”, but maybe we can make it of some other beautiful flowers rather.
Images are mine.