2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

There are many promises of God in the Bible that bring strength, hope, and encouragement. However, there is one promise that Christ gives in Job 16:33 that is not one we cling to. Christ says “In the world ye shall have tribulation…” Job 14:1 says “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

Trouble comes in many ways but is never something we would choose for ourselves and would often get rid of given the choice. However, if we are going to grow, become greater than we are and reach our fullest potential, adversity is a must.

Joseph, for instance, faced great adversity. Betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit and then sold as a slave. But had he not gone through the experience, he would not have found himself managing the wealth and property of Potipher.

Potipher’s wife tried to seduce him, lied on him, and then had him thrown in prison. But Joseph grew in favor, served where he was, and helped interpret dreams. Because of this, it placed in him the position to help Pharaoh, and Joseph became 2nd in command to manage Egypt through a great famine and save the world.

Each time he faced adversity, he grew – mentally, spiritually, relationally, influentially. Looking back at it all, he said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” Your trouble may be what is needed to teach you knowledge and wisdom, give direction and strength to handle the next and greater phase of your life. Look for the good in the bad. Seek to understand the lesson that may be just below the surface of what you see.

Be thankful and trust that God knows best and can use even the worst times of our lives to grow us to the best version of ourselves.