Hardships

"We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."
Acts 14:22b

This is a subject we don't like to talk about, much less experience. I don't know why God chooses to have us suffer, but he does. There are those who proclaim their belief that Christians should not suffer, be sick, or struggle financially. On the other side, there are many who proclaim that we should suffer. We should have little possessions, little money, and we should expect to live that way. The truth, I think, is found somewhere in the middle.
    Hebrews 12 tells us that God disciplines those he loves. He does this as a father would discipline his children. While it is difficult, he does this knowing that the result will be a new level of relationship with him and a more victorious life. I will never say that we will not suffer hardships. We will. God uses them to perfect our faith. Faith is challenged when we are in the midst of a hardship. It causes us to really examine our trust in God. It is for this very reason, I believe, that God allows us to enter struggles, trials, and hardship.
    But I do not believe that God has called us to live lives of poverty, sickness, and hardship. Hardships come and go. God allows them, and then we pass through them and enter into the new things he has for us. It is a miserable outlook if we believe that our entire lives are destined for oppression. We are victorious in Christ. Even through the struggles, we are still victorious. It is in these times that men and women of great faith are produced. We may not enjoy the times of discipline, but we will truly enjoy the benefits of having gone through them. I know this, because I have been through many hardships.
    Let me encourage those who are enduring hardships right now. God is producing something eternal in you. It will be worth it all. And you must know this: It will pass. You will not be in this place forever. God will move you into the next season of your life. Easier times will follow. For now, build your faith and walk through with the help of the Holy Spirit.