Problems are a natural part of life which, due to their presence, create a necessity for change which in turn acts as a stimulus for spiritual growth. There are times in a person's life when ordinary problems magnify, so much so, as to seem overwhelming.
Difficult phases may be brought about by one problem, or by a major area of a person's life that becomes an enormous challenge. Problematic periods may also encompass multiple areas of an individual's life, each one experiencing significant problems simultaneously. Managing and overcoming difficult times are integral aspects of many people's lives. It is not likely that an individual will simply glide through physical life without experiencing these challenging stages.
Indeed, philosophically it would almost seem that it is within the nature of things that difficult times will be experienced by everyone, the rich, the poor, the healthy, the ill, the literate, the illiterate. No matter what one's station in life, it appears to be an inescapable karmic destiny that one born into this physical earth dimension will have to experience difficult periods, inclusive of the highest of spiritual souls, as exemplified by the life of Christ. This in no way implies that God wishes anyone or any soul to undergo punishment.
