March Newsletter, 2026
It was Dr. Robert Schuller who said, “Tough times never last, but tough people do!” When I heard that as a young man, I tucked it away in my memory bank and thought it was good stuff. However, my life was relatively free of “tough times” at that point. Then things changed. Tough times arrived and with them the inevitable question, “Why?” Why me? Why us? Why now? Then I questioned whether I was eligible for “tough people” status. Would I make it through? Could I make it through?
C.S. Lewis said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” The reality is that no one is void of difficulty in this life. Everyone experiences tough times. And I discovered in the midst of my struggles that I was asking the wrong question. I should have been asking, “What?” not “Why?” The truth is God uses the circumstances in our lives to do a work that can only be accomplished during difficult times. Helen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened.” When I was praying for God to change my circumstances, He was actually using my circumstances to change me.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:17-18
Ultimately God has a purpose, process and perspective for our lives that is His will. We can participate in it, willingly, or we can resist it and fight Him. The choice is ours, the choice is always ours. Our Heavenly Father will never force us. But His Word is filled with promises like this one:
He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
We stumble over the, “all things”, but God uses both good and bad circumstances to accomplish His ultimate purpose rather than promising immediate comfort or prosperity. When the difficult times visit let’s ask the, “what?” question and allow God to fulfill His purpose in us of knowing Him, glorifying Him and enjoying an eternal relationship with Him. We can rely on the truth that His process is evident in our circumstances, as difficult as they might be. Finally, be assured that God does not view your problems as meaningless suffering, but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and character development. His perspective includes greater intimacy, reliance on His strength and being conformed to the image of Jesus. Do you remember the slogan, “What Would Jesus Do?” It’s more than a bumper sticker. It’s a way of life. And, that’s good stuff.