The pattern in the Bible is established hundreds of times – trials and hard times lead to perseverance, which builds character and increases faith such that blessings follow. Paul writes as much in Romans 5, James reiterates it in his letter, and the writer describes it in Psalm 126.
We have to experience hard things so that we can grow and improve. A seed has to be buried in the dirt to germinate. Muscles must be strained to develop. Trauma must be dealt with for us to heal.
To live life wholeheartedly, we must be prepared to experience difficulty and trials. God will prove Himself faithful in our trials. We will grow in our dependency on Him. Finally, we will reap a harvest of joy.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-10