How often do you find yourself in an unpleasant situation that feels like it will never end?
Are you able to see past it and recognize it’s for a greater purpose?
I find it hard not to feel eternally stuck in some of these negative places with no ability to see beyond the “why me?” mentality.
In fact, it truly seems that unpleasant moments last forever while the good ones are incredibly fleeting. However, I believe this is intentional. You see, the good moments slip past quickly as a reminder to cherish them to the fullest, and the unenjoyable moments – those linger as to teach us a lesson. It’s in these trying times we are granted an opportunity to learn and grow.
The Bible teaches us that it is with great purpose we are meant to face issues. Frequent reading of the following verse will grant you that perspective.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Our problems of today improve our capacity to deal with the inevitable problems of the future AND the overcoming of problems reveals our capacity. If we made it through that, it stands to reason we will make it through this. Having made it through we are left with resilience. We know we can endure what’s in store. Thanks to our almighty God we can have hope that He will always lead us to salvation.
Understanding this may not rid you of your problems but it can result in improved perspective and the ability to see that we are not led to pointless suffering. So rejoice that God has a plan for you and everything you face is in preparation for what’s in store!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
