The best sermons I’ve heard were not preached at church, but from sickbeds. The deep truths of God’s love and care are often shown best by those who are suffering and—in theory—have no reason to praise God.

Sometimes, the most content people are those who’ve endured the most pain and difficulty in their lives. The most thankful people were not those who had loads, but little. They’ve had to rely on God for absolutely everything. The complainers, on the other hand, are sometimes people who have the least to complain about!

The people who are happiest and most thankful for all that God has given them are often the ones who’ve gone through the hardest stuff. The Bible tells us that if we handle the tough stuff with God, we will grow in patience, becoming more like Jesus (ROM. 5:3-5; JAS. 1:3-4).

Whatever we’re going through today, it “won’t last very long” (2 COR. 4:17 NLT). And out of it will come something much better as we grow in confidence in our God (V.18). In heaven, when we stand in front of Jesus, we will realise it was worth it all (1 PET. 1:7).

By: M. R. DeHaan

To Pray About . . .

Lord, I now understand that trials are good for us, for it helps us grow in endurance. Strengthen me, Lord, throughout the process. I am committed to grow in the way that You wish me to grow.