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The load my friend carried was heavy, and she struggled under the weight. As soon as one problem appeared, another popped up to join it. The intensity threatened to crush her.

One writer says, “Every problem you face in life introduces you to yourself. It shows you how you think and what you’re made of” (The Word for You Today).

The apostle Paul found out what he was made of. He faced more than most of us could even imagine. But he knew God was on his side and would carry him through. He said: “My friends, I want you to know what a hard time we had in Asia. Our sufferings were so horrible and so unbearable that death seemed certain. In fact, we felt sure we were going to die. But this made us stop trusting in ourselves and start trusting in God, who raises the dead to life. God saved us from the threat of death, and we are sure that He will do it again and again” (2 Corinthians 1:7-10 CEV).

Pressure and adversity can either make or break us. It’s all in how we respond. Extreme pressure creates precious diamonds, and adversity (irritants) creates priceless pearls. A popular song tells us that in the pressing and crushing we go through, God is busy bringing forth new wine.

My friend decided not to be led by her emotions or defeated by what life threw at her. She held on to God’s hand and walked through the storms, learning a lot about herself and her heavenly Father. She grew and became a stronger, wiser person.

So can you—no matter what you’re going through.