It seems to be the nature of human existence—at least at this point in our evolution—that we learn through pain, that good comes out of bad, and that nothing worth having comes easily. And to buy into the philosophy that life should be easy sets us up for tremendous feelings of guilt and failure when we manifest something less than wonderful, or of having been cheated by God when adverse events befall us or someone we love.
We have to take a broader perspective. This is what it means to live by faith. Yes, we are obviously meant to figure lots of things out, but not everything. Some things just can’t be solved in one lifetime or at least not at this stage in our evolutionary process as human beings.
Some think of faith as a belief that results in the manifestation of a desire. A more fundamental explanation of faith is to be content with not knowing or not having all the answers. To possess an inner security and serenity regardless of the outcome of our wishes, hopes and desires.
I like the simple prayer: “God (Higher Self/Spirit/Source), find me where you want me to be.” By praying this, we are not removing ourselves from responsibility for our lives, but we are submitting to the part of us that knows best—the part of us that gets the big picture and can see much farther down the road. With this prayer, we are asking our higher self to give our ego the same desires as those of our soul, and we remain open to being shown a different path. The more open (or conscious) we are, the less likely we are to suffer.
In the Bible, the disciple Paul states, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through [God] who gives me strength.” (Phil.4:11-13, NIV).
