Glory In Suffering

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character; and character, hope.” -Romans 5:3-4-

Most of us don’t do suffering very well. We skim right over the word in Scripture, having bought into the false idea that once a person becomes a Christian, everything should be smooth sailing from that point on. We’d prefer to think that suffering is for other people.
It’s true that you do see plenty of suffering wherever you go. A simple walk through your neighborhood turns up some: Through an open window, you hear a husband and wife yelling at each other. You find out that your neighbor across the street just got a foreclosure notice. The weedy yard of the elderly couple on the corner tells you that the husband has died and his wife is now in a nursing home. The middle school student constantly on your doorstep has no desire to return to his abusive home.
But when YOU are the one with marital or financial or health problems, suddenly you want to call, “Time out! This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. I’m on God’s team, and He’s supposed to make everything right.” You run to the nearest marital, financial, or health expert so they can supply you with a quick solution. “Dear God, suffering hurts too much!”
Have you picked up your Bible lately? It’s right there in black & white: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). The point isn’t to elude problems and suffering, but to grow and learn from them. As the apostle Paul came to understand, we can actually “glory” in our sufferings, because they produce an abundant harvest — perseverance, character, and hope.
You are on God’s team, and He is making everything right! Remember that this valley you are walking through is only a shadow, and where there is a shadow, there is a light. So keep on walking. Keep following. Because Jesus, too, knows what it means to suffer. And he is walking right beside you.

Following Today
Read the beautiful and familiar 23rd Psalm. It’s only 6 verses, so read it slowly, more than once, maybe even out loud. As you do, make two distinct lists: In one column, list the verbs that indicate what you do (the word walk will come up, for example). In a second column, list the things that God does. Thank Him for the faithful goodness, comfort, and mercy.