God’s purpose for our lives involves more than our physical ease. It also involves our spiritual development. His aim is not primarily that we be comfortable on earth but that we be conformed to the image of his dear Son in heaven (Romans 8:29).
To this end God uses even the troubles of life for our good. What are some of the good things that can come out of the bad experiences of life?
1. Troubles can develop patience in us. Patience is the ability to stand up to the pressures of life without going to pieces or going to the tranquilizer bottle. It is the strength of character to live life victoriously instead of being defeated by it.
2. Troubles can teach us the true values of life. Our values so easily get out of perspective. Troubles and sufferings more than anything else teach us what is really of value in life.
3. Troubles keep us humble. Difficulties knock a lot of nonsense out of us and teach us our own weaknesses and our need of God. They keep us from becoming proud and self-sufficient.
4. Troubles can lead us to repentance. They make us aware of our waywardness and bring us back to God when we drift away from him. The psalmist once wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now I have kept thy word” (Psalm 119:67). Many of us can say the same thing.
5. Troubles can lead us to glorify God. Many sickbeds become a pulpit from which people witness to the sufficiency of the Lord in their lives.
6. Trouble can make us more sympathetic to other people. It can tender our hearts and make us more understanding of other people. Someone has said, “You can’t sharpen an ax on a pound of butter.” Trouble is often the whetstone of life. God uses it to sharpen us and to make us more effective cutting instruments for him.
The troubles of life do not defeat or frustrate the purposes of God. He is able to bring triumph out of tragedy. Keep believing that and expecting that. God will not disappoint you.