By Pastor Philip Barbor Joshua

Hard times, difficult moments, and seasons of suffering have a way of humbling us and reminding us that we are not self-sufficient. When life is comfortable and money is abundant, pride, self-confidence, and boastfulness can quietly take control. We may begin to rely on our own strength and resources instead of God, and even fail to treat others with love, respect, and compassion.

For this reason, God may allow trials, afflictions, or seasons of hardship to enter our lives—not to destroy us, but to correct us, refine our character, and draw us back to complete dependence on Him. Suffering often reveals what is truly in our hearts and teaches us lessons that success and prosperity cannot. Through difficulties, we learn humility, patience, gratitude, and obedience, recognizing that every good thing we have comes from the Lord.

When we respond to hardship with faith instead of bitterness, God uses it to shape us into the people He wants us to become. A humble heart is precious in God’s sight, and He promises to give grace to those who walk in humility. Rather than asking only for our trials to end, we should also ask God to accomplish His purpose through them, trusting that He is working for our spiritual growth. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6, KJV).

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