Whac-A-Mole and Life: How to Win the Game

Life often feels like a game of Whac-A-Mole. Just when you think you’ve solved one problem, another pops up. You pay off debt, and your car breaks down. You finally get consistent in prayer, and work stress ramps up. You commit to your fitness goals, and suddenly, your schedule is packed with distractions. It’s a never-ending cycle, one problem replaced by another.

The frustration of Whac-A-Mole is that no matter how fast or strong you swing, the moles keep coming. But what if the goal isn’t just to hit every problem as it arises? What if the real victory comes from a different strategy altogether?

The Battle We Face

Jesus never promised us a life without challenges. In fact, He warned us:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The key here is perspective. Life isn’t unfair because challenges arise, it’s normal. The mistake we often make is thinking we can outpace or outmuscle every problem. But what if instead of playing defense, constantly reacting to the next crisis, we shifted our strategy?

Winning the Game

1. Stop Swinging Aimlessly

Many of us attack life’s problems the way we play Whac-A-Mole, frantically, without strategy. But the real solution isn’t just hitting faster; it‘s hitting smarter. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Instead of swinging at everything that pops up, we must seek God’s wisdom. Some battles are distractions, meant to exhaust us. Not every mole needs to be whacked, some need to be ignored, and some need to be surrendered to God.

2. Build a Foundation, Not Just React

The reason Whac-A-Mole is frustrating is that there’s no endgame, just endless reactions. But in life, we can build a foundation that steadies us.

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

Instead of trying to control every problem, focus on strengthening your faith, your discipline, and your mindset. A house built on the rock withstands storms. A life built on faith withstands setbacks.

3. Redefine Winning

Victory isn’t the absence of problems, it’s peace in the midst of them. It’s understanding that some battles belong to God (Exodus 14:14). It’s knowing that success isn’t about out-hustling every issue, but about becoming the kind of person who isn’t shaken by them.

The Takeaway

Life will always throw challenges at you. The enemy will always try to keep you distracted, discouraged, or exhausted. But if you shift your focus from frantic reactions to firm foundations, you stop playing Whac-A-Mole and start living with purpose. It’s not like we don’t win in the end, so long you’re saved by the precious blood of Jesus, Heaven is yours.

Best wishes,

L.B.