According to the Archangels I channel, the end goal for souls is to understand and commune with who they call The Creator of All. Each lifetime brings them closer to that goal, as they gain knowledge and experience on Earth toward that end.

I also asked them why life was so hard, especially since we design it. They answered that some things are better learned during hard times, than in easier times, and that if everything in life was easy, it would be difficult to learn to appreciate it. This makes sense to me when I look back at my own life. It was the hard times that shaped me and taught me the most, however unenjoyable they were.

Hope that answered your question. Peace to you.