WHY IS LIFE SO HARD? Why is life so hard? So
many of my loved ones are dead. I am completely
devastated and I can’t function properly. Alcohol
is a constant temptation as a way to escape, but thank
goodness I have ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’. Then
I was robbed by someone I trusted! It’s been
like a nightmare. Happily I have children whom I
adore. But I have become so negative about life.
Do I have to endure all these trials and tribulations
because God loves me? I would love to have an
answer if there is one. I feel as though I am going
through hell on earth. *** May the few lines I write here be a comfort to you! No one can give you the precise answer, because the reason for our illnesses, bereavements, financial difficulties or betrayals by friends remains a mystery. There has been much suffering in your life, and I sympathize with you sincerely. Why so many trials? I don’t know. What I do know is that the Lord came to deliver us, that he has opened the gates of heaven forever. He himself suffered so much. So did Mary who had to watch her only Son suffer and die. When things hurt too much for you, think of Jesus, think of Mary. My answer is more silence than words. My answer is faith. I trust in God who knows all about suffering as we do. I trust in his promise of happiness. I believe in what he says: “Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh” (Lk 6: 21). We can read about what happened to Job in the Old Testament. He was very rich and then suddenly he was deprived of everything. In a dramatic way he lost his entire family. He suffered a very painful illness. His friends tried to explain the reasons for his misfortunes. But they were wrong! They did not have the correct answer as to why his life became so miserable. Neither do I. The story of Job, instead of providing an answer, invites us to place our trust in God. Do the same in your prayers, and as well, take joy in your children. Embrace everything that brings sunshine into your life: your family, the help of your friends in AA, etc. Help suffering people. Smile on them and encourage them; be a witness of your faith in God. In doing these things, you will accomplish a lot and you will find the answers to your questions. |