Growth in adversity

If you stop and think about it, you will realise that most godly character traits can only be developed through adversity.  The kind of love that gives freely of itself at great cost to itself can only be learned when we are confronted with situations that call forth a sacrificial love.  The fruit of the Spirit that is called joy cannot be learned in the midst of circumstances that produce mere "natural" happiness.

God is His infinite wisdom know exactly what adversity we need to grow more and more into the likeness of  His Son.  He not only knows what we need but when we need it and how best to bring it to pass in our lives.  He is the perfect teacher or coach.  His discipline is always exactly suited for our needs.  He never over trains us by allowing too much adversity in our lives.

From Trusting God by Jerry Bridges page 128

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28