Most people recognize that hard times can teach us many things. We have this truth demonstrated in many areas of life. It is through difficult exercise that muscles develop. It is through new and problematic tasks on the job that we are prepared for bigger assignments and promotions. Unfortunately, it can be through hard times that relationships become stronger. We like our comfort zones, but hard times are often needed to move us forward and make us better.
Acts 8:1, 4 says, “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” It is the hard times that we face, rather than the times of comfort, that lead us to the greater blessings of God. It was out of persecution that the church began to preach the word to the uttermost parts of the world, thus fulfilling God’s commands and prophecy. When we seek to stay in our comfort zones, but may miss out on greater blessings and abundant fruit.
Reluctant Retiree 