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(Romans 5:3–4) “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
SERIES 8: BECOMING LIKE JESUS. 18. Growing through suffering (Allowing difficult experiences to deepen our faith).
Following Jesus does not mean that life will always be easy. There will be times when we experience disappointment, loss, rejection, illness, uncertainty, or circumstances that we simply cannot understand. Suffering is never something we would choose for ourselves, but God can use even the most difficult experiences to deepen our faith and shape our character.
When life is going well, it is easy to trust God. But suffering can expose the places where our faith is still fragile. It teaches us to depend on God rather than on our own strength, understanding, or ability to control what happens around us. We may not always understand why something is happening, but we can learn to trust the One who remains with us through it.
I heard a story recently about a missionary family who believed the Lord was asking them to give away their car, with the promise that He would provide them with another one. The husband knew that giving away their car would create real hardship for the family, but he believed he had heard from God and chose to obey. They gave the car away and, for months afterwards, struggled without it. Throughout that time, the man continued to remind God of His promise. Then, one day, someone came to him and said, “The Lord has asked me to provide you with a car.” The man was deeply grateful. But afterwards he asked God, “Lord, You knew how much we were struggling. Why didn’t You provide for us sooner?” “Son, I asked ten people to help you. They were the only one who listened.”
Sometimes we pray for God to provide, while God may already be speaking to someone else about becoming part of the answer.
Our suffering can teach us to trust God. But it can also teach us to notice the needs of others and to respond when He asks us to help. Faith is not only about trusting God when we are waiting for His provision. It is also about being willing to become part of His provision for someone else.
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Let’s pray, “Heavenly Father please forgive me for the times I have been like the 9 people that ignored You. Help me to open my hands and act with faith.” Amen!
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