Sometimes the things that we get discouraged about are the things God is going to use to promote us. As He said,

“It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you”. (Qur’an; 2:216)1

God does not send the storms, but He uses the storms. He will not allow a trial to come into your life unless He has a purpose for it.

When you are in difficult times, know that, that challenge was not sent to destroy you, it was sent to promote you, to increase you, to strengthen you. You might not see how right now, but God has a way. God uses adversity to bring potential out of us that we did not even know we had. He says,

“And We will test you until We know those who strive among you and those who are patient. And We will bring out your qualities”. (Qur’an; 47:31)2

When you are in those dark times and you feel like you are being buried, maybe you had been through some kind of loss, you do not see anything bright in the future, feels like people are walking on top of you, remember that there is a process-taking place. Like a little seed, new growth is springing forth, new talent, new determination, new opportunities, new friendships - God is birthing something in you greater than what you are right now. You have to keep reminding yourself “God is still on the throne, this is not the end, and it is only the beginning.”

Understand that the only difference between being buried and being planted is what you expect. So stay in faith, and know that your difficulties will lead you to a new fullness. You will see God blossom your life in ways you would never imagine.

• 1. .
  عَسى‏ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ.
• 2. .
  وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ حَتَّى نَعْلَمَ الْمُجاهِدينَ مِنْكُمْ وَ الصَّابِرينَ وَ نَبْلُوَا أَخْبارَكُم.