Going Through Tough Times

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

Romans 8:28 "And we know that God makes all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."

God's purpose in your life—in the good times and the tough times—is for your life to reflect His image more and more!

Sometimes we read the verse above and claim it as a promise that everything will turn out to be pleasant. And many times that's God's plan. But "good" doesn't always mean "pleasant." The "good" that God is pursuing for our lives—what He is working all things together for—is that we become more like Jesus. He wants us to be "conformed to the image of His Son."

Sometimes what's most effective in making us more like Jesus is hardship, pain, sickness or suffering. To make something beautiful, sometimes you have to get rid of the rough edges.

Don't forget that Paul says hard times in your life will only make you more like Jesus if you love God through them and keep saying, "Your purpose in my life is best, Lord."

If you're going through tough times right now, don't push God away. Rather, cling to Him and ask Him how you can grow to be more like Jesus through this.