Made Tough! How To Thrive In Hard Times
“…tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
Tribulation is not the end. It’s the beginning of a divine process. We don’t leap from hardship to hope in one step. No, we walk a path carved by perseverance, character, and finally, a hope that does not disappoint. The fire you’re walking through is refining, shaping, and preparing you.
Romans 15:4 makes a powerful statement. It says, “The Word of God is patient.” Think about that. God’s Word is not only powerful, it’s patient. Why? Because God is strong. And strength doesn’t rush. Strength doesn’t panic. Habakkuk 2:3 says, “Though the vision tarry, wait for it.” We don’t like to wait. We want to break down the door and make it happen. But God says, “Wait.”
Waiting is faith in action.
Sometimes it takes more faith to stay than it does to leave. It takes more faith to pause than to press. It requires more strength to wait than to war. So, in trying times, remind your soul, “Wait on the Lord.” Don’t get in a rush. Don’t settle for the wrong relationship. Don’t grab the first job that comes your way just to escape discomfort. Just wait.
Even when your bank account is empty, wait. When your heart is broken, wait. When the doctor’s report comes in, wait because those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. You will mount up with wings like eagles. You will run and not grow weary. You will walk and not faint.
In the wilderness, the manna rotted after 24 hours, except when placed in the Ark of the Covenant. Why? Because in the presence of God, it kept. And so will you. Stay in His presence and He’ll keep you, strengthen you, and give you the courage to climb every mountain.
Today, may your hard times become your altar. May your struggle become your song. May your waiting become your worship. Because you were made tough, and your story isn’t over. It's just beginning.
Pray today: “Lord, teach me to wait with purpose. To trust you more deeply than I trust what I see. Strengthen me in the trial and remind me that Your Word is patient and powerful. Let my worship rise from the valley and my faith grow in the fire. I believe you’re making me strong. I believe you’re making me new. I will wait and I will rejoice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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