Courage, patience, endurance, and determination are all traits we strive to have or are in the process of developing. This character is not built without some struggle or hardship.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4 NLT
Struggling and suffering build character.
In a fallen world, there will be long lines, angry people, fears to face, and more. If everything were perfect, there would not be a need for courage or patience.
God uses struggle to build our character and grow us into spiritually mature people.
Before the fall, Adam and Eve had no experience with building character. Everything for them was perfect.
In an unfallen world, there would be no sin or sinners. We would not be able to learn to love our enemies. We would not know how to trust in God if there were no difficult situations.
Our trust in God is built on needing to lean on Him. If we could control everything in our lives, we would not learn to trust.
Every day we are stretched. Some days are more difficult than others, but we know, as believers, that everything works out for our good.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together[m] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT.
So the next time we struggle or go through a hardship, we should contemplate, “What should I learn from this?” “What character trait do I need to work on?”
This type of thinking won’t make the struggle go away, but it will give us another perspective to see as we live through the pain.
It’s important to remember we are never alone in our struggles. God was always present to give comfort and guidance.
References
A Visual Guide to Biblical Apologetics by Joseph M. Holden and Sarah R. Enterline
Why Does God Allow Evil? By Clay Jones
Without a Doubt Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions by Kenneth Samples
Christian Apologetics by Douglas Groothuis
