Learning From Hardship
In Psalm 18, David wrote: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; he heard my voice from his temple, and my cry came before him, even to his ears… He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; he delivered me because he delighted in me” (Psalm 18:6, 16-19. NKJV).
Dear saint, rest assured that if you are being afflicted, it is because God delights in you. “For whom the Lord loves he chastens” (Hebrews 12:6). Your afflictions are a sign of his love. Remember, whatever you are currently enduring will pass.
Recently, I read a passage in one of my journals that I had written while going through a great trial. Three months’ worth of entries all ended with the same phrase: “Oh, God, when will this nightmare end?” Finally, several pages later, these words appeared across a page in huge letters: “IT IS OVER. HE HAS DELIVERED!”
Reflecting on my past trials, I can honestly say that I have learned more from my afflictions than I ever did in good times. Prosperity doesn’t teach us, but our hardships do. The humanitarian Albert Schweitzer said, “Happiness is good health and a bad memory.” No, happiness is remembering all the ways God has brought us through.
Beloved, how are you reacting to your afflictions? Are you wasting them, becoming a doubter and complainer, or are you building up your faith, knowing that your God delivers?
There is only one way to endure your present troubles. Remember that your heavenly Father delights in you. He has a plan at work, which is a great investment in you. “Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Remember, your Father is preparing you to be a veteran of spiritual warfare and an example of faith and trust to this generation.
