How could pain and suffering ever have a positive side? I find myself going to the doctor more and more these days. What’s good about that? My old clunker of a car broke down, and I don’t have enough money for a new one. I should be happy. Now I made my best friend mad, and I don’t think she ever wants to talk to me again. Again, I ask, why should I rejoice in that?
The longer I walk with the Lord in this life, I find that the world tells me one thing, but God’s word says something entirely different. Society says I should stress out about health, financial or relational problems. That I can’t be content if I have these bothersome complications assaulting me. But Praise the Lord, He says something different about suffering.
The other morning, I was reading in Romans. Chapter 5 verses 3 through 5 to be exact. The words communicated an amazing message to me. First, here are the verses.
“No only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. and hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
When things go wrong in my life, it makes me want to seek the Lord all the more, helping me to realize I can’t walk through this life alone. I become more persistent in my prayer life and Bible reading. In turn, God willing, my spiritual tenacity grows my character and helps me to become even stronger in the Lord. With that strength, I find I can place my hope in God where it belongs. Because God has poured out His love for us, His children, my hope in Him does not fade or falter.
Though suffering is never any fun, if it can produce these positive characteristics in my life, I’d say it is worth it.
I don’t wish suffering on anyone, including myself. But, I have learned many nuggets of wisdom during times of suffering. Most of the wisdom is revealed after the situation. I am thankful God comforts during times of trials.