It is hard to square off in the face of suffering; put on a smile and walk directly into that storm. Nobody looks at suffering every time and says, “I would really like more of that!” Suffering is painful. It chips away at our resolve. It can rock our faith.

Ironically, it is the very tool that can strengthen our faith as well.

One of the things that predominantly sets apart those who thrive is the ability to stay in righteous intimacy with God throughout the duration of the test. This is when the hearts of the believers are steeled. They become patient, grow in character, and embody hope in the face of trial.

When suffering takes place, the weight of the burden sometimes becomes too great for the believer to bear while juggling other unnecessary baggage. The often painful process of refining sloughs off those additional weights, and the believer becomes renewed in a way that no other event – other than suffering – can ever trigger. It is for this reason that suffering can become a joy and a gratefully accepted gift allowed by God.

God, help me to see the opportunities in suffering that will bring me closer to you and the destiny you have for me.

Where have you experienced adversity? What would the Lord like to redeem (in that,) to bring you closer to Him?

hugs n’ blessings for all those living out the wonderful works of God.

We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5