Day 16: Suffering to Hope

This last season has been one of the hardest of my life. I've vaguely alluded to it, but it's not really blog appropriate. Lots of my friends, family, acquaintances, and, apparently, classmates from high school read this blog.

But, it's has been really, really hard. I know that God has used it to mold and form me and make me more like Him. It definitely didn't feel good, but I know that God uses everything for good for those who love Him.

I'm, also reminded of this verse:
"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5

Naturally suffering produces disappointment, anger, doubt, and hopelessness, but in relationship with God, even though you may be going through hard times God uses them to reveal how much He loves and cares for you. Though I definitely suffered I am more free, have more joy, more peace, I trust in God more, and I love Him more. It's similar how when you go through something really hard with your spouse or with a friend when you come out of it it's bonded you together and made you closer. Or, soldiers who go to war together come out best friends for life. I've gone through difficulty but I'm so much closer to my best friend, Jesus.