Some would think of suffering as a form of punishment that entails nothing but pain, burden and hardships. It is by suffering that some of us believe something is being taken away from them without gaining anything from it. And worse, some consume themselves to the notion that they undergo challenges for nothing – which is not true at all.
If we would put ourselves on the brighter side, then we would see suffering as an expression of love. It is also in fact a verb of love. Three probable special reasons might help enlighten you on this matter.
1. No suffering is permanent.
I have a friend who once told me that the more he experiences suffering, the more he finds reasons to keep on moving ahead for he believes that God is in constant work in his life. He considers every trial in his life as a blessing for it is where he finds God’s comfort and assurance of real companionship.
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” – 2 Corinthians 4: 8-10
2. We suffer because God allows us to grow more in strength and in character.
Those who experience the toughest times in their lives are actually blessed for they get the chance to discover more of their capacities as individuals. Suffering is not for us to burn our egos down, deprive us from freedom to be happy, or to put our lives into plight. Rather, it is an advantage for our growth in strength and in character.
[second_picture]“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
3. We suffer because God believes that we can do more.
God believes that we are more than what we believe we are. He has better plans for us that’s why we’re hurting. Many of us might not fully grasp it now, but as long as we put our complete trust in the Lord, no explanation can be enough.
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” -2 Timothy 2: 3-4
Suffering is a gift from God through which He works out his plan for our lives. Do not simply ask God to shorten the duration of your hard time. Rather, ask God to strengthen you while undergoing such moment in your life, else you have to go through the same again.
Suffering will either make us bitter or better. The choice is yours.
