Understanding Tough Times

1 Peter 4:12 KJV 1900

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1 Peter 5:10–11 KJV 1900

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Tough times develop our character.

Having the appropriate expectations will shield you from extended aggravation.

God can and will use tough times to bring out of you what He knows He has already put in you.

God is more interested in your character than He is in your comfort. Comfort changes, but character lasts.

John 16:33 KJV 1900

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Just because you are suffering and struggling does not mean you have to be miserable.

1 Peter 4:12 The Message

12 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.

Impatience will cause you to miss your harvest, interrupt your purpose, and it will try to derail your destiny.

Speak words of faith and not words of doubt.

Mark 11:23 KJV 1900

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Galatians 6:9 KJV 1900

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV 1900

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Luke 8:15 KJV 1900

15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Romans 8:25 KJV 1900

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Hebrews 10:36 KJV 1900

36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 6:12 KJV 1900

12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:15 KJV 1900

15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

Trouble, and struggle, and tough times develop our character. But, then secondly tough times will deepen your faith.

There’s a reason you need to rejoice. Listen, it’s because your faith will be deepened through participation.

2 Chronicles 20:15 KJV 1900

15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Philippians 4:13 KJV 1900

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 14:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.