Hardship faces everyone in many different ways. It can be financial, physical, and relational, etc. No matter what form it comes in, it can bring with it many different fruits depending on how each individual handles it. For example, it can bring fruits of hurt, anger, burden, and pains or on the contrary, fruits of joy, peace, love, hope, patience, and freedom, etc. As long as we are alive, we cannot escape facing some form of hardship.
It is true that no one wants to face any form of hardship, but hardship is necessary for our growth and development. Without it, we cannot truly be the persons that God has created us to be. God often uses hardship to humble, discipline, motivate, grow our creativity, and mature us. He also uses hardship to help us to make sound decisions, think clearly, critically, and analytically as well.
It is absolutely amazing how hardship helps to bring out the best in many of us. However, this may not be the testimony of some. For example, hardship can bring out the worst in some folks whereby they cheat, steal, lie, become angry, prideful, hateful, and hurtful to others.
Today, however, I invite you to take a look at your life and examine what your experience of hardship has done to you and to others that you interacted with. The Book of Roman chapter 8:28 tells us “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This scripture verse reminds us that if we love God and we live our lives according to his purpose, all things will work together for our good. And loving God is being faithful, trustful, and obedient to him.
Finally, In the first book of Peter Chapter 4:12-13 it states, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” These verses also help us to understand that when we go through hardship we should rejoice because we are sharing in the sufferings of Jesus and we should also reassure ourselves that we will rejoice when he returns. Stay and be Blessed!
Written By: Iodelle A. Chinnery