“Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God”.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:2-5).
We are going to face trouble and struggles over the course of our lives. This does not mean we should blame God or feel helpless in the struggles we face and endure. Yes, there are times where life is rough, and it seems like we won’t make it, or we may feel like God has deserted us.
When we come up against insurmountable challenges in our lives we must remember that we serve a delivering and redeeming God. Trouble is temporary it won’t remain. It last for a while, but it leaves in its timing.
There is a lot to be learned from the challenges or troubles we face if we allow ourselves to learn lessons from them. The art of learning lessons is seeing the obstacle from God’s perspective. We must use the lessons to change and mature us.
The next obstacle is in order for us to learn something we have to shift our focus in the midst of what we are going through. This can be hard. We can feel like all we see is what is not working or what we are faced with. It can feel like no matter what all we see is the storm that is raging in our lives.
We can feel helpless. This is when we may need godly counsel from a church friend or seasoned believer in our life. In order for this to work we need to be open to hearing the truth about our situation and how God sees it. Also, asking God what He wants us to learn or how is this preparing us for what is ahead.
God grows all of us through challenges and obstacles. These things hurt and don’t feel good. Though this is true God’s word teaches us that in the end they work out for our good (Romans 8:28).
When you face obstacles and challenges know God is changing your character. He is also causing you to persevere with the hope of greater on the other side.
No matter what you go through focus on the goodness of God. Allow God to build your character and hope in who God is. Also, what God is doing through the struggles you are going through. This is whether you brought it into your life through disobedience or God needs you to change and grow.
Hard times come with life, but we can hope that God will see us through them.
Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence R.I.S.E. 