Dealing with the challenges of life

Anyone who thinks life is easy must be slightly confused. Just when one problem finally leaves the room, another one knocks on the door. Someone online, obviously stressed with life, gave his observation: “Some days you are the pigeon; other days you are the statue.”

Another warned, “Keep one finger on the escape key throughout life.” Then there was the brutally honest confession: “I am currently in a situation where I am out of money.”

No wonder people can become cold, cynical and critical. Yet Jesus said He came so that we might have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). So how do we live fully when the wallet is thin, the heart is bruised and the problems seem to be multiplying?

After years of living life as a husband, father and entrepreneur, and spending much of my career coaching, mentoring, speaking and training, I have learned a few practical lessons.

First, face your problems positively.

An old story tells of an African king whose friend responded to almost everything, good or bad, by saying, “This is good!” One day, while loading the king’s gun, the friend accidentally caused an explosion that blew off the king’s thumb. “This is good!” he said. The king did not agree. He sent him to prison.

A year later, the king was captured by cannibals. But because he was missing a thumb, they considered him imperfect and released him. Realizing that losing his thumb had saved his life, the king rushed to prison and apologized to his friend. “No,” said the friend. “This is good! If I had not been in prison, I would have been with you. And they would have eaten me.”

The optimist looks for opportunity in crisis. The pessimist can find a crisis inside every opportunity. Scripture reminds us that trials can develop perseverance, maturity and character (James 1:2–4). Diamonds, after all, are simply carbon that responded rather well to pressure.

Second, learn to manage your emotions.

If you do not manage your emotions, they will eventually manage you.

An angry passenger once spent several minutes berating a baggage handler.

Later, someone asked the handler how he stayed so calm. He smiled and said, “That man is going to Cebu. His luggage is going to Davao.”

Maturity does not mean having no emotions. It means not allowing every emotion to become your commander. People sometimes tell me, “Francis, I am no longer happy in my job. Should I resign?” I tell them, “Show me a job where you can be happy all the time, and I will resign and join you.”

The same principle applies to marriage, work and commitments. Feelings matter, but commitments must often lead. Do what is right and let your emotions catch up later.

Third, use your words carefully.

Words can heal or wound, and today one careless sentence can travel around the world before lunchtime. Interestingly, the word “sarcasm” comes from the Greek sarkazein, meaning “to tear flesh.” That tells us something. A clever remark may win laughter but leave scars. Proverbs 13:3 warns that those who guard their lips preserve their lives. Before you speak, post, reply or forward, give your brain a few seconds to report for duty.

Fourth, handle your finances wisely.

Money is easy to spend, but technology has now made overspending remarkably convenient. “Buy now, pay later” sounds painless until “later” arrives. Successful people generally learn to live below their means, save consistently and invest wisely. Benjamin Franklin supposedly captured the problem well: you can deal with financial pressure in two ways: earn more or want less. Better still, learn to do both.

Fifth, take care of your health.

Problems always look bigger when the body is exhausted. Poor health can also become one of life’s most expensive problems, because all of your savings may eventually finance your doctor’s next luxury vehicle.

Scientists once asked three old men in the Mountain Province about the secret of longevity. One, aged 92, said he avoided vices and went to bed early. Another, 102, said he ate vegetables and exercised. The third looked much older. “I drink, smoke two packs a day and party every night.” The researchers were stunned. “How old are you?” “Thirty-two.”

Honor your body. Scripture reminds us to treat it with respect (1 Thessalonians 4:4). Wealth is less impressive when enjoyed from a hospital bed.

Finally, remember the Manual.

The Bible is the operating manual written by the Creator of life. Proverbs 3:6 reminds us to acknowledge God in all our ways and trust Him to direct our paths.

Life will never be free from trouble. Some days will simply be hard. But we do not face them alone. Stay connected to the Creator of life. Be grateful. Learn from the pain. Manage yourself wisely. Keep your heart soft. And live fully. Because life is not easy. But it is still a gift.

Join Francis Kong for The Winning Edge, a one-day seminar-workshop on Oct. 21, 2026, at the Palm Grove, Rockwell Club, Makati City, designed for emerging leaders, high-potential professionals, entrepreneurs, next-generation executives, and young family members being prepared to take over the business. A practical and inspiring learning experience focused on personal growth, leadership readiness, confidence, discipline and the mindset needed for the next level. For inquiries and registration, contact April at +63 928 559 1798 or Syleneat +63 976 638 8974.