Challenges must not be strange to us

No matter who you are, keep in mind that God loves you just the way you are and God loves you enough to leave you the way you are. The one who said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is faithful. God is watching His promises to fulfil them; to fulfil them not only for you, but also through you. We are God’s holy vessels made to reveal His glorious riches of grace. Some of His glorious riches can only be revealed when the Lord takes us through challenges. Often, in order for this world to come to God, or for someone in the world to know God, someone must be used as a vessel in the hands of God; I think this is precisely why God, in some cases, allows us to be lonely and even to suffer rejection. I think that by our acceptance of the call of Jesus, by default, we also accept being used by God for His glory. And I think challenges are an integral part of that. Therefore, challenges of life should not be a strange thing to us. God has a bigger plan, a better plan for you and me. And yes, God uses the dark times, the times of misery and pain to lead us into a new life - a new life that will bring glory to His glorious name.

From the book: Challenges of Life by Pastor Frans Mhlophe