Two years ago, we took a family vacation to Kanab, UT. We did a lot of hiking, went to national parks, and slid down pink sand dunes. We didn’t watch TV or go on our devices for a week. It was an amazing time to unplug and enjoy each other while taking in the majestic landscape of the Southwest. One day we explored a tunnel and when you got towards the middle of it you could barely see your hand in front of your face. The boys and I saw this as a challenge to make it through to the end without any light, but my wife kept imploring us to let her turn her light on so no one would turn an ankle and get injured.

As we continued to navigate through the tunnel, and just before Taleen reached her emotional limit, we started to see a distant light. As we got closer the light got brighter and we started to see the outlines of the end of the tunnel. This brought Taleen peace knowing that we were on our way out. The boys were not as excited as she was. They wanted the journey to last longer. We got to the other side of the tunnel and the area we were going to hike was unspectacular at best. Going through the tunnel was definitely the best part. 

This made me think about times when I have gone through a difficult season in my life. Being in the middle of a personal storm can be downright discouraging. I have yet to meet anyone who enjoys going through hard times. However, the growth that happens during that difficulty season is huge. Here are three reasons why you need to stay patient and trust the process during a hard season of life.

You Are Building Strength

When you work out your muscles get these micro-tears from the exertion you are putting your body through.  After this happens your body starts to repair itself with new muscle tissue. This is the process of how guys go from the “none show” to the “GUN SHOW”! Long sleeve hoodies turn into sleeveless shirts and Farmer’s Tan Friday takes on a whole new meaning. The pressure we go through during trials are no joke. It takes a toll on us physically and mentally. It’s important to know that you are stronger than you think you are, and just when you feel like you need to give up an answer to your problem shows up. Endure to the end my friend. I believe in you!

You Are Building Trust

Let’s face the facts. We’re guys and for the most part we can do things on our own. Or at least that’s what we tell ourselves. Twenty years ago, we wouldn’t look at a map. That’s for the weak minded. Nowadays we wouldn’t dare ask Siri for directions. My internal compass will guide us! The fact is we have trust issues that may stem from some very rough stuff we went through dating all the way back to our childhood. We need to learn to rely on others. This is also an opportunity to build our faith. A wise man once said that “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we don’t see.” Sounds like a guy who has trust in something bigger than himself.

You Are Building a Deeper Relationship

My pastor’s got jokes. He loves to tell a good story at the start of the service and end it with a punchline. One that I really liked was about a man having a conversation with God. The man was going through a real rough time and found himself praying daily about it. He asked God for help and to get him out of this situation. God came back and said “Son, why would I do that. We’re spending so much more time together.” Maybe you’re in the spot you are because you need to spend more time with the one who created you. God wants a relationship with all His kids, and He will get your attention one way or another. Be excited that your heavenly father wants to know you better and I guarantee you He will help you through this hard time.

Here are some things to think about and apply to your life:

• Enjoy the time during your trial. You are learning so much about yourself.
• Remember that the trip is sometimes more fun than the destination.
• Finish strong and endure until the end. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for.

My blog typically goes out on Tuesdays. If you are not currently on our email list and you would like to be, scroll down to the bottom of this page and put your first name and email address in the boxes. Then simply tap the sign-up button and you will receive my blog every day that it is scheduled to be posted. Have an outstanding day!