In Part One, we saw that adversities—or as we might more frequently call them, "trials"—strike everyone from time to time. Struggles are a part of every human life, and they are especially prolific for a Christian attempting to live a godly life within an anti-God world, as examples from the Bible attest. Instead of becoming discouraged, we need to allow our afflictions to draw us closer to God and His people and build His righteous character in us.

Yet, new troubles spring up with regularity, and they can overwhelm us. Sharing our experiences with others can help. When we realize that we are not alone in the hardships of life, we can take solace and encouragement from the companionship of like-minded brethren going through similar struggles. The apostle Peter writes in I Peter 5:9, "Resist [the Devil], steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world."

The apostle Paul endured many trials throughout his ministry, which he recounted to church members in his epistles:

We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (II Corinthians 6:3-10)

In one sense, he is saying that all his suffering is par for the course, which he had to endure as much as he was thankful for all the blessings God provided to him. God has called us out of the billions of people on this planet to become His children and live life as He does. What a blessed gift! But with it comes a few things that are less enjoyable but necessary to complete the process.

With Christ's help throughout these afflictions, we build up endurance. Like a runner who gradually adds more distance to his training routine, our endurance will deepen as we experience more trials and overcome them. Or, as the bodybuilder adds strength by increasing the weight on the bar and doing more reps during his workout, we increase our strength by standing firm and overcoming tougher tests of our character. So, we grow spiritually as we rely on God to help us do what is right and pleasing to Him.

As Christians in this world, we will continue to suffer adversity, hardships, and tribulations. We must put our trust in what God has revealed to us through His Word and be careful not to bring trouble upon ourselves by carnal actions and reactions. Peter warns: "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter" (I Peter 4:15-16).

We should always endeavor to do good and to be gentle and loving. As the apostle James counsels, we should "be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:19-20). These qualities do not come naturally to us, but we must develop them with God's help. We can deal with our trials and frustrations and learn to live as His children in this world, but the process requires patience and dedication.

Why should we put ourselves through this grinder, then? What is the upside? The apostles knew that none of the trials in this life can compare with the blessings and rewards awaiting those who attain God's Kingdom. Paul writes in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." In other words, traveling down the often bumpy road to the Kingdom of God is worth it!

If we have committed ourselves to the living God, we must be steadfast in living according to His instructions. We know beforehand that adversity and hardship will take place, stretching our ability to endure and overcome. We understand that these adversities will ultimately create in us the benefits of character, patience, and compassion. And we know where to turn for help when that road becomes more difficult than we think we can handle.

We are nearing the end of this age. Each day, news outlets are filled with stories that would have been unthinkable or ludicrous just a few years ago. The whole world seems to be losing its grip on reality before our eyes. Now is not the time to flag and give up. We must continue seeking God, drawing ever closer to Him as our adversities increase in number and difficulty. Paul gives us some advice through Timothy:

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them . . .. (II Timothy 3:10-14)

We have been instructed through God's Word, others' personal experiences, and our own hard times. Now is the time to put those lessons into practice and conquer the trials that confront us today and will face us in the future. Then, we must do what we can to teach others by both example and considered advice so they can benefit from our experiences and endure their own trials. In doing so, we will grow in godly character and tighten the bonds of fellowship in the church so that we progress together toward the perfection of Jesus Christ.