God grows us up spiritually in a hundred different ways, but the most effective method may be allowing us to endure situations that demand the character we need to cultivate. Could He deliver us from those difficult situations? Of course, He could, but He loves us too much to short-circuit our sanctification (growth in Christ). God doesn’t always deliver us from our difficulties, but He does deliver us through them.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)

The best way to cultivate patience is to be put in a situation that demands it, lots of it. How about courage? Well, it’s not the absence of fear—that’s for sure! What about love? There is no greater opportunity to exercise the love of God than to be surrounded by enemies. Mercy? You can’t exercise forgiveness if you’ve never been wronged. And if you need more patience, courage, love, or mercy? Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a situation that demands even more of it.

I’m not suggesting that God proactively puts us in those situations, but He often allows them because they’re part of our maturation process. Again, the umbrella blessing is not an immunity card. It’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card either. We’re still subject to the law of sowing and reaping. And we still live in a fallen world, which means we’ll experience our fair share of pain and suffering.

Plus, God is not a helicopter parent. Just like Joseph, Esther, David, and Daniel, we will experience personal setbacks and seasons of suffering. The good news? It will be for our good and God’s glory.

Want to see it for yourself?

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NASB95)

The last thing I want to do is make light of the difficulties you’ve endured. The Lord, actually, wants to validate them.

It seems like every news cycle these days brings new allegations of sexual harassment or sexual abuse. If you’ve been the victim of that kind of abuse, it’s not just news. Those stories trigger memories that trigger emotions that are incredibly painful.

If you’ve experienced the heartache of miscarriage or infertility, a baby’s cry can pull your heartstrings and produce profound sadness. If you’ve walked through a difficult divorce or gotten a grim diagnosis from a doctor, it feels like a thousand-pound weight sitting squarely on your shoulders.

I don’t know what challenge you’re facing, but I do know that God’s grace is sufficient. That grace can be experienced in a thousand different ways. Sometimes it’s manifested through thoughtful friends and wise counselors. Sometimes it’s a day at the beach or a mountain hike.

And, of course, it’s always a relationship with the God who will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT)

He’s the God who says:

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” (Isaiah 61:3, NLT)

How do I know this? Because Scripture says it, and I’ve experienced it. I’ve walked through the valley of the shadow of death more than once, and I’ve seen God redeem unbearable pain and unimaginable suffering.

I’ve also watched God turn some of the worst days of my life into some of the best.

Because that's who HE is, and we can praise Him for that!

How has God helped you during a season of suffering? 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Rejoicing, On the Victory Side!

Beau