Rejoice in Suffering!

…And we rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.                 

Romans 5:2b-3

When I think of suffering, I think of Jesus on the cross and His physical suffering; When He was in the Garden His mental suffering.

The dictionary defines suffering as pain in a broad sense, misery or agony, the state of being in physical or mental stress or strain. 

We all have suffered at some time in either in a physical, emotional, or spiritual way.  Suffering is not meaningless.  It serves a purpose.  If it is physical pain our body is giving us a signal that we may need medical attention.

When we are in emotional or spiritual sufferings we can go to the Word of God and find comfort.  Our church or a Christian friend may be able to help us. Sometimes the suffering does not just go away.  We must be patient and let God work in us.  As the verse in Romans states the process we go through causes us to be stronger and gives us a character that will help us be more capable to handle the situation.  Our approach to each situation changes in how we react when we have the knowledge that God is with us.  As I have gone through losses this past few months I find myself depending more on God.  My Christian friends and my family have also been supportive, but I find that the more I depend on God the more I feel secure in His Love.  As in Romans, I am more patient with my emotions.  I am more able to recognize that “this shall pass”.  Sometimes the suffering causes us to change, a little or drastically.  I often have had situations that have drawn me closer to God.  This is what God wants.  He wants us to depend on Him; depend on His Word and Promises.  I don’t think the suffering gets easier.  We learn to live with our loss and keep God close to us so we lean on Him.  

As we approach Easter I think of the horrible suffering Christ went through-For us!  No matter how bad my own situation might be, Christ went through so much more so I can be covered in His love and grace.

I have Joy in my heart because I have the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dear Father, help us to remember your grace, love and forgiveness.  Help us to depend on Your comfort in times of suffering.

In Your Precious Son’s name.  Amen

Donna Harrison
LifePoint Member


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