Embracing Hardships!
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations,
knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and
perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Romans 5: 3-4
The topic of suffering is not part of the Christian Gospel
message, so sometimes new Christians are surprised to
learn that it's an expected part of the Christian experience.
Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of
good cheer” (John 16:33). Paul wrote, “We must through
many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
There are two kinds of suffering Christians encounter following Christ.
First, hardships living in this fallen world experienced by everybody,
Christian or not. Second, hardships we encounter being followers of
Christ, more rightly called persecution.
Persecution is a hardship, but not all hardships result from persecution
for our faith. Whatever the cause of our hardships, the Bible says they
have a godly purpose: to ultimately conform us to the image of
Christ
(Romans 8:28-29). Hardships produce perseverance, character, and
hope—hope being the anchor of our soul (Hebrews
6:19).
When you encounter hardship, embrace it as a
tool that will help you become more like
Jesus.
"There is a certain kind of maturity that can be
attained only through the discipline of suffering."
D. A. Carson
