It’s Too Hard! When Does Necessity Outweigh Difficulty?

Nothing can kill a vision quicker than these three words: “it’s too hard.” When we say something is too hard, it is often for one of three reasons: 1) an overstatement of the facts, 2) we have an unwillingness to attempt something, or 3) fear of failure. The problem is that if the task needs to be completed, none of these reasons are sufficient reasons for not completing it.

Recently, we celebrated Memorial Day, which is a day that all Americans should take time to remember those that fought and died to protect our nation and ensure its longevity and prosperity for the ages. The men who chose to join the battle against Hitler and fascism had many arduous objectives to complete and many difficult scenarios to navigate. And had they not engaged in them, you and I may not be here today. If the colonists had not chosen to stand up against a tyrannical government in the fight for independence, we may not have the nation we do today. I realize that some, including myself, take issue with our country’s track record on matters of justice, but for now let’s focus solely on the men and women who said, “that’s hard, but I’ll do it anyway.”

How often do we allow ourselves to quit because of setbacks or resistance from others? How often have we been talked out of the vision that we feel God has given us? How often has the fact that something wasn’t as easy as we expected it to be been offered as the reason we gave up or gave in? Guess what, friends? Whatever purpose is inside of you will not be birthed easily. Much like a woman in labor, there will be pain, pushing and persevering that is required in order to accomplish the task. Steve Jobs was forced to leave Apple in 1985. He was brought back in 1996. The years in between were difficult. Additionally, when he rejoined Apple, the company wasn’t in very good condition. However, all we remember about him today are his successes – most notably, the iPhone and the MacBook.

What did Steve Jobs gain during those difficult times? What can you gain by completing a difficult task? How much more meaningful will your accomplishment be when you realize how much you overcame to make it a reality? “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Personally, I know that had I not gone through financial hell for 18 months, I would not be the man I am today, nor would I be teaching and writing the way I am today. What hard road have you travelled or are you travelling that has/will become the highway to your success? What are you now prepared to birth because you have endured the labor pains associated with your purpose?

This letter from Captain Ryan Kelly, who was stationed in Kuwait in December 2003 speaks volumes and puts into perspective the thought of why doing what’s hard goes beyond personal comfort. “The worst thing here is not the searing heat or the cold nights. It’s the waiting. Waiting for the wind to quit blowing and the sand to quit grinding against your skin. Waiting for a moment of privacy in a tent packed with seventy other men, in a camp packed with seven hundred other tents, in a base packed with fifteen thousand soldiers, all looking for a clean place to go to the bathroom. . .  Waiting for the bone-rattling coughs from dust finer than powdered sugar to stop attacking the lungs. Waiting for the generals to order the battalion to move north, toward Tikrit, where others—Iraqis—are also waiting: waiting for us. . .  And on and on and on… I hope you are doing well, Mom. I’m doing my best. For them. For me. For you. I hope it’s good enough.”

Completing your purpose or your assignment isn’t just about you. We were all designed to contribute to the collective good and to the advancement of the Kingdom of God. This means regardless of how hard it is for you or I to do, the necessity far outweighs the difficulty.

Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure. – Thomas Edison