Hi Alex,
I want to be encouraging, but we know nobody really lives that charmed life we all wish we had. Facing the reality that this life is for learning about good and evil makes you fully aware that there is going to be the good, but also the bad. And it sure seems to be a lot of bad... but then there is that good and that makes it all worth while, doesn't it?
I think what makes a difference is attitude, try not to dwell on the negative possibilities, or better known as worry. Christ made this point a good many times.
Matt 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Yes we all must face problems and trials, it is how we learn... that is for sure, because we all have built in weaknesses of one kind or another. Our own weaknesses are bad enough, but we are also many times effected by the weaknesses of others, making life less predictable and more difficult. So are we to lose hope of really having any kind of a good life? I don't think so, as I was saying there is the good parts in life.
I know from my personal experiences that I did have to go through some real difficulties, it's never easy and while in the midst of these things it does seem overwhelming. But if our trials were easy, would they really be a trial? So are the trials and struggles worth those oh so fleeting good times? Absolutely, the good experiences, the people I have known and the joys make me so thankful, and I'm so happy to have had them, it certainly has been worth it.
I guess we all know that bad things happen to good people, I think the most we can do is try to live a righteous life and hope to at lease minimize the negative consequences from wrong behavior. And of course this is not easy, you need help, a lot of help and you know where that comes from, therefore PRAY!
Mat 6:27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
v. 28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;
Mat 6:31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
v. 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
v. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Knowing the truth gives you a great advantage, do the best you can and then when you slip and stumble throw yourself on God's mercy, it far exceeds any and every sin we may comment.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
Did you know that the Apostle John is 'traditionally,' believed to be the youngest disciple, perhaps as young as 16-20 at the time of the crucifixion of Christ? And there is a possibility that some of the other disciples were under 20 (except for Peter was known to be older). Reason being in Matthew 17 to pay a required tax Jesus instructs Peter to going fishing and he would find the coin to pay it. Peter does so and finds it in the mouth of the fish, and was instructed to pay the tax for himself and Jesus only. So this could mean that the rest did not need to pay the required (tax law-Exodus 30:14-15) and were under the age of 20 or perhaps they had already paid it. Though accounts differ concerning their ages I think the idea of some of them being a young age is very interesting.
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
v. 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
v. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
v. 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
mercy, peace and love
Kat