Why do we have to go through tough times? It's a question all people ask.
James 1:2-3 has an excellent response.
"Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience." (Amp.)
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (Msg.)
"My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things." (TPT)
Endurance is tough. It is exhausting, but it is possible. One of the things I have held in my heart for over a decade is a song by Avalon. It says, "You slowly turn me around. You slowly break me down."
We don't have to be experts overnight. We don't have to be perfect overnight. We just have to keep being. We just have to keep pursuing, and in the middle of hurt or whatever we are facing, keep looking to God and trusting He will answer.
He is faithful. He is always at work, but His work will eventually be seen!
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