I always hated when someone would say to me "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" while I was going through a hard time. Nobody really wants to hear that when times are difficult, but the saying does prove true. Suffering makes us stronger on the inside and builds our character. Many biblical characters grew in strength and wisdom because of the suffering they went through.

One of my favorite biblical characters whose suffering made him a better man is Joseph from the Old Testament. Joseph was first betrayed by his brothers when they sold him to slave traders because of their jealousy towards him, but his suffering didn't end there. Joseph was then sold to one of Pharaoh's officers and imprisoned after being falsely accused by the master's wife. Even through all this, Joseph did not lose heart. He trusted in God, believing that things would turn around for the better and they did. Joseph had a gift of interpreting dreams and was called upon to interpret the Pharaoh's dream. Joseph was rewarded with overseeing the lands of Egypt and later was reunited with his family. Joseph was a man of integrity and only grew stronger because of his suffering.

I don't think anyone could have suffered more in the Bible than Job did. After Satan challenged Job's integrity, Job lost his wealth, health, and even his family. But through all this, Job did not turn away from God. He remained faithful and persistent and became a stronger man, and God restored to Job more than he had before and prolonged his life another 140 years.

Nobody enjoys suffering when it's happening, but Romans 5:3-4 says we should rejoice in our suffering "because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." God makes us stronger and more like Christ through our suffering, so don't let the hard times take a toll on you. Instead, let those struggles improve your character and strengthen your relationship with God.

Sarah Smith grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with an English degree. She loves being a child of God and serving in missions. She has gone on trips to Germany and London and served a recent term of five and half months in London as a missionary intern. She recently applied to seminary and is looking forward to attending Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the fall to study Christian Counseling.