The Joy in Suffering
In Romans 5:3-4 Paul wrote, (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
This passage is a roadmap to maturity, both spiritual and mentally. The truth about suffering, be it anxiety, bills that can’t get paid, a job that is in jeopardy; these verses are the formula for preparing us for the Blessed Hope – our Salvation. We need to change our outlook on the trial we face and see it for what it really is – a training ground for improving who we are.
As we endure the trials we face, we learn to do it with dignity, and not succumbing to our fears. Why? Because through the trials we learn to trust God and trust His methods. His ways are better than our ways. With His methods, we learn to trust Him more, and as we trust Him more, our perspective changes. We become more resilient. Calm under pressure. Our character improves. We become new people, better people, with every passing struggle.
The tumultuous events we once faced will become brief encounters that barely rock us, if at all. With just a few words Jesus calmed the raging seas (Mark 4:37-40). This is exactly how God wants us to handle our anxiety. Through the power of His Love and Grace, the turmoil we face will be subdued.
We also must remember what God has already done for us, personally and throughout history – He parted the seas, rained down mana, and there is a list of events I am sure you can reflect upon when He has done something wonderful in your life. We need to remember these things, especially in times when we despair. The evidence in our lives, and in the history of the human race, demonstrates how much God loves us. This should give us the confidence we need to continue to trust Him, even when things seem bleak and impossible to overcome. Remembering and giving thanks for these wonderful events must be a part of our prayer life regardless of the situation. This is spiritual maturity, and this is what Jesus seeks in your life.
Bible Verses
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-4 (NLT)
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9 (NLT)