We’re living in a time where people would rather hear something that sounds good rather than the truth. The truth convicts us. The truth will make us change our ways. People who aren’t ready to change don’t want to hear the truth. One example of something we need to hear, but that is hard to receive is the fact that God loves us and has greatness planned for us. We often believe we are less than, instead of believing we can accomplish everything God has called us to do.

To be fully committed to God we must learn to endure hardship.

• 2 Timothy 2:3-4 New King James Version – You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

There are times when the Lord will allow us to endure hardness. We must know that in advance because the enemy loves to discourage those enduring hardship with lies like, “How can God love you and let you go through this?” That’s a lie from the pit of hell. Our hardships are not in vain. Everything God allows has a purpose.

• Romans 5:3-5 New King James Version – ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

How much God loves us is not based on material possessions, status or comfort. God loves us because He created us for a good purpose–He wants to transform us into the image of Christ so we can become children of God.

God will allow us to go through wilderness experiences to build our faith and confidence in Him. Here are four truths we need to incorporate into our lives:

1. Allow hardship to serve its purpose. (We also have to allow our children to go through hardship.)
2. Allow hardship to perfect your attitude.
3. Allow hardship to grow you. (Hebrews 5:8 Living Bible – And even though Jesus was God’s Son, he had to learn from experience what it was like to obey when obeying meant suffering.)
4. Allow hardship to shape your character. (Become better, not bitter. Complaining is an indication of bitterness, especially complaining about people. John 13:35 New King James Version – By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”)