What’s The Point Of Our Hard Times?

A man once asked me, “What’s the point of all my struggle trying to live my life doing right by others?” He was in my office for some legal advice and was facing a tragic situation. He had worked hard most of his life to provide for his family and make a decent living. Due to a series of really bad decisions, his life was in shambles. It was heartbreaking to see his tears and to hear the despair in his voice. As he was breaking down, the Holy Spirit led me to ask if he would like to know God’s recipe for handling hard times. I told him that God had been teaching me how to have hope in even the most terrible circumstances. 

He said He was open, because, in his words, “I have no more answers.”

I assured him that his question of “what’s the point of the struggle,” was completely legitimate because in a culture where the highest pursuit of mankind is comfort and pleasure—pain has very little utility. I asked him what he believed his life purpose was. He replied, “To do the best I can to take care of my family and to be a good person.“ I asked him, “What is your SOURCE of TRUTH for this purpose?” He was completely transparent and said, “I’ve never thought about that—so I don’t know.” He then added, “You seem to be so full of purpose, genuine concern, peace, and satisfaction, I’m curious to know what YOU believe my purpose is.” I told him that, quite simply, that according to God’s Word, every human was created to glorify God. He looked puzzled. So, I continued explaining that the source of this truth—which has given me such a robust and abundant life—is in God’s Word. I read:

“Everyone who is called by My name, [and] whom I have created for My glory...” 

Isaiah 43:7

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do ALL to the glory of God.” 

1 Corinthians 10:31

He was shocked. He’d never heard the truth—that he was made for the glory of his CREATOR. Inwardly, I was saddened that this man had lived over 60 years and had totally missed out on so much abundant living! I went on to explain:

“Since the foundation of the world, when Satan tempted Eve in the garden, the enemy has been telling us that we should live for our own selfish desires and self-glory. When Eve chose to “be like God” instead of “living for the glory of God,” sin infected the entire human race and produced the destruction we live in. But because God is greater than sin, He paid the price so that our soul and spirit could be born again, and, despite the continued tragic circumstances caused by sin, we can STILL live for His glory! 

In fact, most of the time, tragedy provides an even greater opportunity for us, as mere mortals, to manifest the power and wisdom of Almighty God!

Then, we stand back and watch our omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God, work wonders that are far greater than we could imagine, and all that is left is for us to praise HIM and give HIM all the credit! Because we are created in the image of God and FOR His glory—we have the great privilege to live for HIM—in all we do. 

When we are born again, our soul and spirit are one with Christ and we desire to live for the glory of God. But our enemies, including our rebel flesh, are always working against us to convince us to live for the lesser things which will pass away. These lesser goals divert us from our glorious purpose and we begin to live for our own glory and gratification which sucks us into a downward spiral. And when we crash (because we will), we wonder if this is all there is! 

It’s not!

But to be able to have the mindset of handling trouble for the glory of God, we must first be born again; and then, we must grow in the knowledge of God and His glorious ways. It is to our great benefit to develop a strong relationship with God so we can live in the satisfaction He has planned for us. If we don’t learn how to do this, we are like a bird who never learns to fly, and our existence will seem pointless.”

It was a lot of information. So then I asked him what he believed would be the greatest tragedy in his life. He said without hesitation, “death.” I said, “would you believe, as a born again believer, that even our death doesn’t have to be wasted because it can be part of fulfilling our supernatural purpose?”  He looked at me like I had two heads. I told him the story of Lazurus and the great opportunity he had through his death to give amazing glory to God. The Bible says:

“Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.””

John 11:1-4

I told him Jesus died a terrible death so our soul and spirit could live forever. I explained how he, too, could possess the gift of salvation enabling him to have freedom from the fear of physical death! 

As we concluded our meeting, he agreed to allow me to pray with him. I prayed he would open his heart to Jesus, receive the gift of salvation, and receive God’s supernatural hope to endure trials. I prayed for his eyes to be opened. As he left, I gave him one of our tracts so he could remember our discussion about salvation. 

My friends, it doesn’t matter what your struggle is today—your life CAN glorify God. When you are born again and allow the fruit of God’s Spirit to flow through you, you are enabled to shine the light of the hope of the Gospel into the lives of those around you. 

What a glorious life God gives us!!!