Can I be honest for a minute? The fact that Jesus doesn’t promise us a problem-free life when we surrender to Him kind of bums me out! Don’t get me wrong! I am beyond thankful for my salvation and for all the amazing promises that we do receive as God’s beloved children. (His presence, His protection, His provision, His peace and so much more.) But I wish he would’ve added “smooth sailing” to the list!
But that is not the case! In fact, Jesus said that we will have problems in this world. (John 16:33) In this world, we are still battling against our flesh and the enemy of our soul. The war is already won, but the battles will continue until Jesus takes us home! The hope that we must hold on to is that God is working everything out for our ultimate good. (Romans 8:28) Everything! Even the uncomfortable and painful things we experience have a purpose in His grand plan.
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. – Romans 5:3-4 NLT
God uses our problems and trials to help us develop endurance. He uses the endurance we develop to build our Christ-like character. And He uses our Christ-like character to strengthen our confident hope of salvation. None of the adversity we experience is wasted! It will not lead to disappointment!
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 5:5 NLT
When you are facing adversity, pray for God to remove it. Someday He will. But while you pray and wait, remember that He is in the process of refining you and you will come out on the other side like pure gold.
