Acts 14:22: “We must all experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of
God.” Do we embrace hardship as preparation for Kingdom citizenship, or do
we hate it, complain through it and feel sorry for ourselves?
Hardship has many flavors: financial, health, loss of loved ones, family and social conflicts, broken relationships, problems at work, unemployment. With these comes discouragement, doubts and fears. Suffering is NORMAL reality on route to God’s Kingdom. It His discipline, and sometimes the chastisement, so we won’t see this life as our ultimate existence. All pain and tears are wiped away
in the next life. Here are three ways we can embrace hardship:
Follow the example Jesus set. I Peter 2:21 ‘This, in fact, is what you were called to do, because Christ
suffered for you and left an example for you to follow in his steps.’
Understand that suffering grows you. Romans 5:3-4:
“Let us exult, too, in our hardships, understanding that hardship develops perseverance, and perseverance develops a tested character, something that gives us hope…”
James 1:3-4: “For you well know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, and perseverance must complete its work so that you will become fully developed, complete, not deficient in any way.”
Know it’s a sign of God’s love. Hebrews 12:4-6: “My son, do not scorn correction from the Lord, do not resent his training… Perseverance is part of your training; God is treating you as his sons. If you were not getting this training, as all of you are, then you would be not sons…” Why resent what God sends for our good? It’s a badge of honor, showing that we are His children. Finally, we can help fellow believers endure their trials. God holds our hands through our hardships. As Knights of
Columbus, we hold the hands of those going through trials. Men of God, why not join your hands with ours?
John Pisula, Grand Knight: [email protected]
Joe Cox, Council Lecturer: [email protected]
St. Bonaventure Knights of Columbus Council 12240 
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