Have you ever been in a tough time when it feels like one difficult thing after another? A bad grade, then a fight with a friend, then something hard at home—it can feel like the rough stuff will never end! In those moments it can be really hard to believe that things will get better.

Here’s one of the most hopeful verses in the whole Bible. Psalm 30:5 says, “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (NIV). And Jesus Himself promised His disciples right before the hardest days of their lives: “Your sorrow will be turned into joy.” Not might be. Not hopefully will be. But will be. That’s a promise from the One who never breaks His word!

The Bible also tells us something incredible about the way God uses hard times. Romans 8:18 says that what we’re going through right now isn’t worth comparing to all the good stuff that’s coming for those who love God. And 2 Corinthians 4:17 calls our hard times “light and momentary” compared to what those difficult times are building in us. Those are promises saying the same amazing thing: the stuff that’s difficult now is building something amazing for later!

Think about it like a storm. Even the most intense storm eventually ends. When it does, the sun comes back out brighter than ever. God doesn’t waste anything. He is using even the difficult times to build something in you that will last forever!

Think About It: Is there something hard you’ve been going through lately? Ask God to help you not think “when will this end?” but instead think “what is God building in me through this?” Write down what you think He might be growing in you, and thank Him that hard times don’t last forever!