In Romans 5:3-5, Paul tells the Romans:
“Not only so, but we[ also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
This verse reminds us that those who live a Godly life will suffer. God’s training program includes a healthy dose of suffering because suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. God cannot use those effectively who have never suffered, never been broken or those who have never learned to lean on him alone. But God can use those who have been through his training program. Next time you hit hard times, think about what God is preparing you for and think about your purpose in suffering.