It's a Life-Long Journey of Learning and Growth

As said before, no one is instantly a fully mature Christian. It takes time to get to know God - who in some ways is mysterious because He is so beyond our complete human understanding - and grow to trust him. It is often through difficulties (which all humans face sooner or later) in life that we learn the most (see James 1). Christianity is flourishing in countries where it is persecuted or illegal - where it is very hard. We Americans tend to center on easy living, materialism, or the pursuit of a rich romantic life, but they are not satisfying for long. Even though the authentic Christian life will be challenging, we have an inner need for challenges, and they can ultimately result in the “rich and satisfying (abundant) life” (John 10:10) that Jesus says he wants to give us. Our very deepest longing is one that only God can fulfill. This ‘always growing’ fulfilling life can last through the bad circumstances of life, including those that most of us will face in our later years.