It Builds Character
That's what my husband says. About anything. If he's tickling me, "it builds character." If he's annoying me, "it builds character." If he's snapping me with a towel, you guessed it, "it builds character."
And the thing is... he's right. *cue the eye roll
Although it's a joke, it makes me think, a lot of things in life "build character." And most of the time, it's the hard things. I don't remember a time where something easy helped grow me as a person. It's in the hard lessons that you learn. It's the long, dark seasons you go through. It's the high pressure you get put under. It's the constant closing of doors in your face that creates patience and builds character.
Diamonds are created by an extreme amount of pressure and heat and time.
Seeds have to be buried underground, in dirt, and given time.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galations 6:9
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:14
The song "Seasons," from Hillsong is such a sweet reminder. It's a reminder that there are seasons. Some seasons are so sweet and new and refreshing. Then there are some seasons that aren't so much. There may be a season of drought, darkness, fear, unknown, confusion, hurt, or pain. But even in those times, we can hold fast in our hearts that there is a purpose. Even though God didn't put you in this place or give those hard things to you, He will use them to bring you closer to Him. He will use those feelings to draw you near. He will use those circumstances to humble you and build character. It will probably be a painful process. But so is the process of making diamonds. Flowers can't become flowers unless they go through the growing and changing process. Anything worthwhile isn't going to come easy. It's going to take a lot of patience. But there is a goal in the end. We may not know it until we can see hindsight, but that's where faith comes in. Trust the process. Trust God's process. He won't steer you wrong.
This season may feel like it is lasting a lifetime. God's timing rarely ever lines up with ours, but it will be worth it. Hold fast. "Though the winter is long, even richer the harvest it brings."
Oh how nature acquaints us
With the nature of patience
Like a seed in the snow
I've been buried to grow
For Your promise is loyal
From seed to sequoia