As the saying and slogan goes “Life is Good.” However, in all of its goodness there are ups and downs, times of plenty and times of want, sickness, health, loneliness, support, and on and on.

While no one ever enjoys the difficulties, until we are willing to do the hard we will never fully appreciate life in all of its fullness. Because it is Resistance that Builds Strength, Strength which Allows us to Persevere, Perseverance that Solidifies our Resolve, and Resoluteness which Carries Us Through the Trying Times.

I’ve often been struck by the passage from Hebrews 12:  “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

If we allow ourselves to dwell on the struggle it can become overwhelming, so much so that our eyes become blinded to life’s goodness. Similarly if we pursue only what we think will bring us happiness – wealth, status, experience, comfort – we become dissatisfied with all we have.

However, when we fix our eye on Christ follow as He leads we can endure all life throws at us without growing weary and losing heart. And in so doing, we most fully can appreciate all the goodness this life has to offer.