Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion
that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very
thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process,
with glory just around the corner. I Peter 4:12-13 (TM)

There are plenty of popular speakers and authors out there with a message of prosperity and material blessings for those who believe. Listen, I’ve got nothing against people doing well. It’s just that God’s message is very clear in telling us to expect just the opposite: suffering, trials, and difficulties. I know that doesn’t sell as well. You’re not going to make the best seller list and get a syndicated radio or tv show with a tape series on "expect hard times". Nevertheless, the truth is that God isn’t as interested in our prosperity as much as He’s interested in our perserverance. He’s more interested in our character than our comfort. It’s spiritual maturity He wants to instill in us, not monetary success.