Helpfulness of Hardships

Pam Williamson
Dec 9, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jan 21

I am grateful for hardships.

I’m thankful for the moments things don’t go my way. I’m thankful for the painful moments, the hard moments, the times of loss, purification, times of pruning and reprimand.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny. -C.S. Lewis

Let's recall the events in Joseph's life (reference Genesis 37-50). He was born behind 10 elder brothers. He was favored from birth. God dealt with him in dreams and he had the promise of a beautiful future... And yet we find him at the bottom of a pit, being sold into slavery, made a keeper of the house, lied on, imprisoned, with seemingly no hope of being released. Joseph continued to trust God, in the face of his troublesome circumstances. Because Joseph put his trust in God, he was able to be used by God to interpret Pharaoh's God-given prophetic dream. Joseph suddenly found himself ruling over all the crops and storehouses of Egypt, and was able to sustain the people of Egypt - and the Israelites. We have all heard it - "from the pit to the palace" - but Joseph's attitude throughout the hardships could have deterred his destiny.

At the end of Joseph's life, He looked to his brothers and stated: "But as for you, ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." (Genesis 50:20)

We don't read of Joseph complaining, wallowing in self-pity, wringing his hands in worry, grumbling bitterly against his brothers. I'm sure he had moments where he didn't know what to say or how to respond, but we also see him separate himself to gain his composure, and I am quite sure, consult the Lord for guidance.

I am grateful for the shaping, molding, pruning, pressing -- even though it comes through the process of lessons through trials, sermons, godly advice and counsel, and time spent in prayer and fasting.

In the face of family worries and woes, financial hardships, health scares, trials and temptations - God has empowered us with His Spirit to endure. We can praise Him as our sustainer, provider, healer, deliverer... and so much more. Could it be that this trial or hardship that I am facing will be the testimony that encourages others to persevere? Could it be that this hardship was scheduled by the master to make me and mold me into something far more beautiful?

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” - Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

I can stand sure-footed, shoulders squared, head lifted - and declare 'Not my will, but THINE be done' because I trust His Plan. Come what may - He is my King, my Savior, my Friend.

He has plans for me, and I am so very grateful for His plans for my life.

«And because He is no respecter of persons, He has plans for You, too!»

Paul writes to the Philippians:

' I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].' - Philippians 4:12-13 (AMPC)(https://www.bible.com/bible/8/PHP.4.12-13)

When Christ dwells in us - we are 'self-sufficient' in Christ's sufficiency. I may not feel capable, but God alone makes me able. I may lack, but in my weakness His strength is made perfect. We have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, operating in us, empowering us to Endure Hardships - and not just endure, but Overcome!