Handling Hardship

I have a friend who is experiencing a downturn in his business. He is a Christian, with godly character, & very competitive. Put him with a bunch of guys in a competition, & he'll come out on top, or very near the top. He has always been successful, with over 20 years experience running his own business. He was raised in a Christian home, and never got into trouble. His experience does not include knowing how to handle hardship. Now he's struggling and doesn't know what to do. I suspect the Lord wants to deepen his faith and strengthen his relationship with Him. I'm not faulting his upbringing, but God uses trials to deepen our faith and build godly character. God's Word also says that the Lord chastens whom He loves. If you are in a difficult situation, know that God loves you. If you have kids, don't shield them from trouble.