Not long ago I came across these words in Acts 14:22: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
I don’t like the sound of that! Especially the word must. And considering the recent converts Paul was speaking to that day, it seems awfully harsh. Shouldn’t Paul have softened his message a bit by saying, “We might go through hardships?”
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Yet Paul was saying nothing that Jesus hadn’t warned his disciples about: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33, emphasis added).
The reality begs the question why. Why is hardship inevitable? God Almighty is sovereign over all. It’s well within his power to protect us from difficulty. So why doesn’t he?
Here are some possibilities:
1. “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Paul could have said his troubles were heavy and ongoing rather than light and momentary. He had been falsely accused, beaten, stoned, imprisoned, and more. But Paul’s focus wasn’t on his earthly life. He was already focused on his future life in heaven. Every time he endured suffering, it meant the glory yet to come would be all the more splendorous by comparison. Paul understood: Problems focus our perspective.
English: Saint Paul arrested (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
2. Hardships remind us of what Jesus endured for us. Anything we might suffer cannot begin to compare to what he suffered on the cross—the extreme pain, the loathsome humiliation, and the unbearable separation from his Heavenly Father. Problems foster appreciation for our precious Savior.
3. “Faith must be tested because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest). Faith does not grow without testing. Trials provide the best opportunity to become intimate with God. And what could be more valuable than an intimate relationship with our loving, wise Heavenly Father? Therefore, we need to remember: Problems draw us closer to God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for caring so deeply about me that you discipline me. I want to reach that level of maturity where I rejoice in problems because of the growth opportunities they provide and the intimacy with you that will result. Continue to chip away at the hesitancy and obstinacy in my spirit that stands in the way.
From the Inside Out 
I very much needed this today. Thank you!
Praise God for his timing!
Amen! 🙂
Amen and amen!
Thank you, Rita!
Amen! As rotten as trials can be, God is so good to use them for good, whether in the ways you have mentioned, or making us more like him, or turning us back to him. I love the way many times after a person has suffered, God uses it to turn that person into a caregiver — a cancer survivor ministering to new patients, for example, or a widow leading a grief support group. God comforts us in our trials for a purpose: So that we can pass that comfort on to others! (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
Absolutely, Jim. When our trials become the foundation for new usefulness to God, it is gratifying and fulfilling. Thank you very much for stopping by, and for your input.
What a good reminder and explanation, Nancy. I think problems also help us grow and make us stronger. “They” say when something is broken and melded back together by God’s love, that is its strongest place. I know the times God has carried me, even in the midst of confusion and pain when I couldn’t find Him, He never left me. The more I experience that, the deeper my faith is. Amazing God!
That saying you shared is new to me: “When something is broken and melded back together by God’s love, that is its strongest place.” My strong place has become perseverance. (Of course, that place can be made stronger yet!) I also agree with your second point: deeper faith results from confusion and pain. In hindsight we can sometimes see what God, in his foresight, had purposed all along. And our faith as well as our appreciation for him do indeed grow deeper. Thank you, Jean, for your insight!
Good post, Nancy. I see us like big square blocks of marble when we come to Christ – trials and hardship are God allowing the sculptor to shape us into the image of Christ; it’s a painful, but necessary process!
That’s a strong image that illustrates well the necessity of hardship. Thank you for sharing. Such truth, coming from an expert in hardship (you!), is all the more powerful. God bless you richly for being an inspiration to many.
Late to reading this, my friend. All good words, especially the Oswald quote. Jesus, may we run to you FIRST when whatever problems come.
Thanks for sharing these straightforward words, Nancy! I’m going through a lot right now and learning to develop a “right perspective” that’s not based on my feelings or emotions but on God’s truth and promises. This is very encouraging! It’s good to be reminded that we WILL face trouble in our lives but that Christ has overcome everything and is fighting on our behalf.
May God bless you, Jessica, during your time of trial–blessings of strength, peace, and manifestations of His love for you. I especially pray that the miracle you need will come SOON!
Nancy, thank you for that wonderful message. It brought to mind Pastor Steve’s message of about a year ago when he made it very clear to us that trials and tribulations are preparing us to be the person God wants us to be when we meet Him face to face.. Miss you!
Thank you, Ruth. Your insight creates an image to keep in mind. Each trial and tribulation scrubs away a bit more of those grimy traits: pride, selfishness, independence, etc. Then he helps us develop the radiant glow of patience, endurance, and graciousness. With you I want to be totally prepared, complete and lacking in nothing, when I meet him face to face!
My Mom had a very difficult childhood. As I read your post and the responses you received it brought to mind that those very experiences that she endured growing up led her to become the testimony that she is today. She shares the Lord with store clerks, her hairdresser, just about everyone she comes in contact with and they love her for it. Whenever someone finds out that I am her daughter they can’t say enough wonderful things about her…and I KNOW that it is truly the Holy Spirit that is shining through her.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother, Cheri. She’s going to have quite a crowd around her in heaven, as people thank her for her Christlike example and influence. Her story certainly inspires me to plant seeds of the fruit of the Spirit wherever I am!