We all have difficulties, which we handle with varying degrees of success. The idea that God would keep us in an unpleasant situation because we haven’t learned to depend on Him is one that we are reluctant to contemplate. This goes against the popular teaching that God wants you healthy, wealthy and wise now. Pastor Mark is reminding us that God looks at the entirety of our lives and has in mind who He wants us to be when we get to the end of our lives. It’s important for us to remember God’s love for us and His desire that we become useful ambassadors for His kingdom.