In Hardship

The last lesson said “a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) This lesson is about hardship itself.

An extra lesson on the Seeking Path asked: if there is a God, why is there suffering? That lesson was for those still searching. This one is for people who already believe but are in the middle of difficulty—coming to faith did not mean hardship would pass us by.

The book’s Question 86 asks: if you are going through hardship, how should you respond? The answer is surprising: “we also rejoice in our sufferings.” (Romans 5:3-6) This is not asking anyone to pretend to be happy. Paul goes on to explain why: “suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-6) The joy is not in the hardship itself, but in knowing where it is taking us.

This road is not walked alone. Paul lists a long string—oppression, anguish, persecution, famine, peril and more—and then says that none of it “will be able to separate us from God’s love.” “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) He also invites us: “Call on me in the day of trouble.” (Psalm 50:15) The most natural response to hardship is to withdraw and hide; the Bible tells us to speak up—to God, and to other people. What we say need not sound nice. In the Psalms someone says to God: “How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?” That too is prayer, and it was kept in the Bible.

Hardship has another surprising use: God “comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) The road someone walks with you today may be the road you walk with someone else tomorrow.