How can affliction be a source of growth for believers?

Believers across the ages have found that affliction serves as a divine tool for growth and maturation in faith. In 1 Peter 1:7, for instance, it states that the trial of our faith is much more precious than gold, meaning that the struggles we encounter are designed to test and strengthen our faith. Likewise, the psalmist reflects on his afflictions as good, recognizing their purpose in refining character and reliance on God. Thus, while pain and suffering are challenging, they can lead to spiritual perseverance, greater reliance on God, and ultimately, deeper communion with Him as we experience His sustaining grace in the midst of our trials.