\"Sorrow produces perseverance, perseverance – proven character, and proven character – hope\" (Romans 5:3*).
Recently, I heard the words: \"God does not want to make us happy, but resilient.\" This shattered my illusions.
However, I then pondered the way we raise our children, as we try to build character in them. It’s not that we don't want them to be happy, but if we give them everything they want to maintain their illusion of happiness, we won’t prepare them for the difficulties and challenges in life.
If we have eternal life in Jesus Christ, then we are blessed, and that is much more than earthly happiness. If God doesn't give us something we desire on this earth, it doesn’t mean He doesn’t love us or wish us well. Also, when He puts us through trials, He has something in mind.
In his Epistle to the Romans, Apostle Paul even tells us to rejoice in our sufferings. It may sound strange, but he realized the connection between suffering and perseverance. Apostle James says something similar in his general Epistle: \"Consider it a great joy, my brothers, when you face various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing\" (James 1:2-4*, emphasis ours).
Difficulties and trials build our character and make us resilient, so with each such experience, we become stronger. As this happens, our perspective is likely to change. We will realize that earthly happiness, dependent on circumstances, is fleeting, and resilience makes us steadfast in any circumstances.
For contemplation: Are we currently going through a hardship or trial? Can we perceive it as the tool through which God builds our character?
*Bible quotes are from the Bible, revised edition © Bulgarian Bible Society 2015