VALUE OF SUFFERING

It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statues.  Psalm 119:71

My dad fought in WWII, in the European theatre.  He valued the freedom of this country more than we, his children, did because he was one of many who suffered for it.  He had several purple hearts to honor his wounds and his bravery.

Those who suffer will value what they learned in the hard times.  The lessons are reflected upon often and each is considered a priceless gift in retrospect.  Though none would choose to go through that time again, there is an admission that the valley was life changing in beneficial ways.

Nobody loves pain.  To value pain for pain sake is ludicrous.  But if I’m in the middle of great distresses today, I can know that they are not empty exercises in futility.  Each trial is a powerful catalyst for wisdom if I don’t waste it.  God never intended for me to just mark time through suffering.  He promises to meet me in the middle of it, hold me while I bend under the weight of it, teach me things I wouldn’t be able to otherwise learn, and then turn it into something redemptive for others who are facing the same thing.

Paul said it another way. All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.   2 Cor.1:3-5 THE MESSAGE

Some hurt, form a fist, and shake it in God’s face.  They forfeit their ability to trust.  With distrust, they forfeit the lessons that could have come with the trials.  May that not be me.  May that not be you.  When broken, we turn our faces to God with a deep desire to be led by the Spirit.  We cry out with loud cries and tears, just as Jesus did, but rely on the grace to drink of the cup of suffering while night is upon us.  I am praying for you today.

You see today and know all the challenges ahead.  Prepare my mind to speak Your words.  Prepare my heart to trust You no matter what.  Whether I suffer, or whether I soar on eagle’s wings, I glorify You.  Amen