Sometimes we dream of how wonderful life would be if we never experienced trouble. Think about a world with no bad hair days, plugged plumbing, nosey neighbors, or car trouble. We can dream, but that’s not real life—life isn’t perfect. And if we really had that perfect, trouble-free existence, we just might not enjoy it as much as we think. Life’s challenges develop character.
- Joseph’s integrity was tried and proven while a slave in Egypt.
- Moses learned lessons in the desert he would never have learned in the palace.
- David’s difficulties with King Saul transformed him from an untried youth to a leader of men.
- Daniel proved the strength of his convictions while a captive of war in a country far from home.
None of the above situations were easy to endure. Each man had his life turned upside down. Nothing would ever be the same again. They endured hardships, false accusations, rejections, and loneliness.
While we may also face major trials in life, it’s often just the day-to-day struggles and irritants that wear us down.
While we may also face major trials in life, it’s often just the day-to-day struggles and irritants that wear us down. We may not understand it at that moment, but each situation may be a divinely ordered opportunity to grow. It’s counter to our thinking that God will use our circumstances to develop us, to build our character. But He will if we respond correctly and allow Him to guide us.
When Life Isn’t Perfect, Look for the Blessings
Sometimes what seems a disappointment becomes a blessing as God places us on a different path. Psalm 32:8 promises God will teach us and guide us. We need prayer and patience as He closes one door, so He can open another.
God does not leave you alone in the battle. It is His plan to make you complete and strong. Click To TweetDuring the years Joseph spent in servitude and prison, he no doubt had many questions about all that happened to him. But after many years of difficulty, he was able to declare, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result— the survival of many people” (Genesis 50:20, CSB). God uses our circumstances to develop our character. As we persevere through pressing times, our character grows stronger. Romans 5:3–4 says we will glory (boast or rejoice) in tribulations (pressure). It’s not that we enjoy the difficult times as much as we understand how God uses them to build good qualities into our lives. We come out on the other side as a better person. You may feel the pressure now, but with patience and prayer you will persevere. God does not leave you alone in the battle. It is His plan to make you complete and strong. “May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (I Peter 5:10, NKJV).
Mary Loudermilk of Hazelwood, Missouri, thinks every day holds the opportunity to enjoy a new adventure, meet new people, and explore new places. Her greatest adventure is walking with God and discovering His plans for her life.
Resources and Links
A version of this content originally appeared in Reflections. To see more content or subscribe, visit Reflections.