How do you respond to trials? Do you become angry or bitter at God? Do you ask, “why me?" What do others see when they watch you work through difficult situations? In life, we will all experience trials. There is simply no way to avoid them because we live in a fallen world. And sometimes, we must accept that the reason for our trials will not be revealed to us until we get to Heaven. But I believe part of why we experience grief is so that we can comfort those around us who may be experiencing a struggle similar to ours.

As believers in Jesus, we can take heart in knowing that God is the greatest source of comfort through all of our difficult situations. Paul says in the book of Romans that we are to “rejoice in our sufferings,” because we know suffering produces perseverance. Perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.  So if you are struggling today with something heavy in your life—whether it has to do with financial, relationship, work, or health problems—take heart in knowing that this suffering is not in vain. Lean on the Lord, then, look for people to encourage with His comforting truth.

This is Luis Palau.