Suffering's Reward


Life certainly has it's share of trials and sufferings. Some people seem to face more than others. So, how do you respond to those times? Whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual struggles, I believe God can (and does) use them to shape us. Christ-like character is not formed on the mountaintops but in the valleys -- it is those low times where we come to know Him more intimately and realize His faithful and loving presence.

The Apostle Paul reminds us (from personal experience)...

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and 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)

Notice the progression:
Suffering => Endurance => Character => Hope

Without suffering there is no hope. I should point out that people going through suffering who are without Jesus Christ can have a completely opposite experience. Suffering can produce desperation, helplessness and hopelessness.

The end result of suffering is dependent on one very important key factor: the Holy Spirit's presence in your heart. Do you know Him? Does He reside in you? There is no shame in suffering, especially when it is draws you closer to our Heavenly Father.

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