Life can be hard, and sometimes as Christians we think it shouldn’t be so. I am sure we all have prayed for relief from the struggle and for things to make life easier. But perhaps that’s not what God has in mind. I believe our 35th president understood this principle.

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.” – John F. Kennedy

Whether we like it or not, and I don’t think I’ve met anyone who really likes it, God uses hardship and struggle to shape us according to His plan, not ours. So the advice of John F. Kennedy is very apropos. Let’s see what the Bible says.

According to the Apostle Peter, we should not be surprised when we face trials and troubles.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;” – 1 Peter 4:12

And what is the purpose of the struggle? That God would make us stronger.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” – 1Pet.5:10

So, as tough as it might be, it is good advice to not pray for easy lives, but rather, pray to be stronger men and women. And also remember that a faith that has not been tested cannot be trusted.

I thought this was an encouraging reminder for us men and women as well.  Ponder it.