Even if everything else in your life seems to be falling apart, take hope because one day, you will be with the Lord in paradise (Luke 23:43). Nothing in all of creation will be able to separate you from your King (Romans 8:35-39). Even when it seems as if there is nothing for you to cling to, hold fast to that.

How do you deal with discouragement as a Christian? I don’t mean “discouragement” as in “work has been busy lately,” or “my favorite sports team hasn’t been playing well.” I mean the soul-crushing, never-ending, hope-devouring kind of “discouragement.” You could call it “trials” or “hardship.” What do you do as a Christian when it seems like everything in your life is crumbling around you? What do you do when it seems as if your marriage is falling apart, your children are straying from the faith, your friends are leaving, or you are facing constant opposition in ministry or in your career?

God, in His good grace, has given us a plethora of words in the Scripture to provide hope and encouragement in the midst of trial. As we take a look at this, I would like to answer three questions: (1) What is the purpose of hardship as a Christian? (2) What gives you hope in the midst of hardship as a Christian? (3) How does hardship make you a better Christian man?

1. What Is the Purpose of Hardship as a Christian?

Christians do not face hardship, trial, and discouragement without reason. Romans 8:28 tells us that “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Everything you experience in life has been ordained, planned, and carried out by God. 

The Apostle James writes

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4

The purpose of trial in the Christian life is to take the affections of our hearts and redirect them from the things of this world to the things of heaven. This is sanctification and is the result of you being conformed more and more into the image of Christ. Christ did not save you just to let you spend the rest of your life wallowing in your sin. Rather, Christ saved you to sanctify you and to perfect you. Oftentimes, when you are in the midst of trial or difficulty, it is hard to see what good can come of it and it can seem pointless. However, rest assured that God is doing this for your good, even if you cannot yet see it.

2. What Gives You Hope in the Midst of Hardship as a Christian?

As Christian men, what things give you hope, encouragement, and refreshment? In my own life, I have faced many struggles and difficulties.

Read More