moral character gets formed through hardship, through overcoming obstacles, through enduring despite difficulties. Courage, for example, would be impossible in a world without pain. The apostle Paul testified to this refining quality of suffering when he wrote that 'suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.'13

The point of our lives in this world isn't comfort, but training and preparation for eternity. Scripture tells us that even Jesus 'learned obedience through suffering14—and if that was true for him, why wouldn't it be even more true for us?

Ease and luxury, such as our affluence brings us today, do not make for maturity; hardship and struggle do

specifically

Afflictions are meant for our spiritual benefit; we are sometimes tempted that we may learn to pray the more.

The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth

Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.

Every problem is a character-building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber.

If we have faith in Jesus Christ the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing.

God does not further our spiritual life in spite of our circumstances, but in and by our circumstances.

Surmounting difficulty is the crucible that forms character.

Every Warrior of the Light has failed in his spiritual duties.