Life is full of growth, and with growth comes change. This theme is central to our Growing Pains series, which explores how change is part of every personal and spiritual journey. Growth often comes with challenges, but those tough moments are where strength is built. Richie Brown, who has been guiding us through this message, reminds us that although growth can be uncomfortable, it brings transformation.

Think of a seed sprouting into a tree. It pushes through the soil, reaches for the sun, and sheds old leaves to grow stronger. In our lives, growth works the same way. Self-leadership becomes key when we choose how to respond, learning to adjust and stay focused. Growth is not about perfection. It’s about progress. Over time, difficulty teaches us patience and discipline, two things we can’t thrive without.

Understanding Hardship: Lessons From The Apostle Paul

Many people draw strength from examples in Scripture, and the Apostle Paul offers one of the most powerful ones. Paul’s life was filled with trials. He faced prison, rejection, violence, and betrayal. Still, he never lost his commitment to his purpose and calling. His words in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 show this strength: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

These verses point to a deep inner resilience that didn’t depend on comfort, success, or approval. Paul also shares in verses 16-18: “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” This reminder is powerful because it shifts the focus from what’s seen to what’s eternal.

Paul’s story teaches us that hardship doesn’t get the final word. It’s how we respond that matters. With the right attitude, challenges help mold us rather than break us. We grow when we trust God in the middle of the struggle.

Hardship As A Path To Growth

It’s nice to imagine that when we’re doing something meaningful, the process will be smooth. But that’s rarely the case. Starting and growing a church taught us this firsthand. In the beginning, things didn’t always go how we planned. We thought support would come easily and that everyone would stay on board. We were wrong.

Some of the hardest days became the most important ones. Whether it was loneliness, criticism, or plain exhaustion, those moments forced us to grow. What felt like failure was actually preparation.

Hardships can serve many purposes:

  1. Preparation for the future. Tough times build emotional and spiritual resilience.
  2. Personal development. Challenges expose weaknesses and stretch our abilities.
  3. Growing empathy. Experiencing pain can deepen our compassion for others.
  4. Sparking creativity. Problem-solving during difficult moments builds new skills.

Even when the road feels long, every step is shaping something in us. What feels like a wall may become a door later on.

The Role Of Attitude In Overcoming Hardship

Mindset isn’t just about staying positive. Your attitude leaves a deep impact on how you walk through pain. Two people can face similar challenges and come out with very different results—depending on their perspective.

In many places today, there’s a tendency to shy away from hard things or assume struggle means something is wrong. But some of the most meaningful growth comes through discomfort.

Shifting your perspective might include the following:

  1. Focus on gratitude. Thankfulness can change your outlook, even in the middle of pain.
  2. Reframe the situation. Instead of asking why something is happening, ask what you can learn from it.
  3. Choose life-giving voices. Who you surround yourself with matters.

Your thoughts have weight. What you tell yourself in the struggle can either keep you stuck or help you move forward.

Embracing And Overcoming Difficulties With Faith

Faith doesn’t spare us from trouble, but it guides us through it. The story of Job shows us that hardship does not mean God has left us. Job lost almost everything, yet stayed connected to his purpose and his God. In the end, he grew stronger because of it.

Sometimes the struggles we face bring out parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed—grit, courage, or a depth of prayer that casual faith never taps into. When you rely fully on God, you uncover strength that’s already been placed inside you. It’s not about denying tough realities, but trusting that God has the final say.

We can’t control everything, but we can take responsibility for how we respond. Prayer, Scripture, and spiritual community all serve as anchors when circumstances feel unsteady.

Keep Showing Up: The Power Of Perseverance

When times get tough, showing up feels harder. It might be tempting to step back from commitments or isolate yourself. But staying consistent—especially when things are difficult—is what leads to long-term growth.

Worship plays a big role here. Praising God when you least feel like it is powerful, not because it magically fixes everything, but because it shifts your focus back to truth. Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, for the reward comes in due time. Isaiah 45:3 talks about treasures found in darkness. These treasures are often insights, strength, and clarity that weren’t visible in easy seasons.

Faith isn’t about just believing one time. It’s a commitment to keep moving forward, even when progress feels invisible.

Reflecting On Personal Hardships

Take a pause and look back. What have you overcome in the last few years? What lessons did you learn? Reflection allows us to understand that even painful moments can have value.

There’s strength in acknowledging both the attack of the enemy and the correction of God. Each serves a different purpose, and with prayer, we can learn to recognize them. Whether you’re being tested, refined, or led into breakthrough, it’s all part of bringing you back to the person God designed you to be.

A prayer for this moment: May you find strength in trials, wisdom in decisions, and insight to understand what God may be shaping in your life right now.

What Pain Can Teach Us About Purpose

Pain is never wasted when it’s placed in God’s hands. Growth through hardship is one of the greatest gifts wrapped in what looks like defeat. The process may feel slow and full of setbacks, but bit by bit, you’re becoming who you were made to be.

Each challenge carries the potential for transformation. And as you lean in, stay faithful, and remain open to learning, you’ll find that God is working in ways you may not yet see. Don’t quit in the middle of the story. The very hardship you face may one day become proof of just how far you’ve come.

As you continue on your journey of faith and growth, consider exploring more about the experiences and gatherings at Amarillo Fellowship Church. Being part of a community focused on connection and encouragement can make all the difference. To learn more about our upcoming activities and ways to connect, explore our church events.