Think back through your life and remember the experiences that helped produce your character. Some of them were stressful, I’m sure. Knowing what you do now, how would you get through these same situations if you were facing them today? Would it be easier and less stressful? Too often, we get wrapped up in the moment and think about all the things that can go wrong. Why not just think about all the things that can go right and rejoice in them instead?
The Bible tells us to embrace our struggles and rejoice in them. Paul writes about this in his letter to the believers of Christ in Rome.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this confidence will not disappoint us. 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
The tribulations of the early Christians were many and varied. They were hated by the world, tempted by Satan, and corrupted by their own weaknesses. Paul spoke about overcoming these experiences so these young Christians could become the people God wanted them to be. God also has a plan for us and our future.
Did your parents use tough love when raising you? Tough love includes strict disciplinary measures along with enforcing certain constraints on freedoms or privileges, thus requiring children to take responsibility for their actions. My parents used tough love to raise me and I became a better person because of it. I am grateful for the decisions they made on my behalf.
God uses tough love with His children as well. Because He has control over all things, both good and evil, God could easily give us a life with no problems at all. However, He uses life’s difficulties, and Satan’s attacks, to build our character. The problems we face develop our patience and endurance, strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God and give us greater confidence in the future. He tells us that we will have tough times in our life but we can still claim the peace of Christ.
John 16:33 says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Thank God for all the opportunities to build your character through His strength.
