Suffering - God's Gift of Love

We have an unspoken expectation that a GOOD God will bring only what we consider to be GOOD THINGS into our lives. We never expect Him to ALLOW and perhaps even BRING difficulty into our lives. But He does . . .
Lamentations 3:31-33
For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
What does this mean? No suffering for God's children? No. It means no MEANINGLESS suffering. If God has allowed suffering into your life, it is for a purpose. A good purpose. A holy purpose.

The world tells us to run from suffering, to avoid it at all costs, to cry out to heaven to take it away. Few of us would CHOOSE to suffer.

We don't simply ENDURE suffering but rather we LEARN from suffering.
Hebrews 5:7-9
During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
When you groan because there are no words for the hurt, when you cry out to God with hot tears, when you agonize over his plan that has caused you such pain, look at Hebrews 5:7-9 and see that Jesus understands! He understands what it is like to cry out to the Father, who has the power to make another way, enact another plan . . . but chooses not to.

Why has God allowed so much suffering in your life? Ultimately, the purpose is not to disfigure you for life but to mold you into a person who thinks and acts and looks like Christ.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Holding on to Hope: A Pathway Through Suffering to the Heart of God
Nancy Guthrie

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