Blessing from Suffering

by Jennifer W.

For those of us who choose the road less traveled, our journey is through a harsh wilderness. This way is to the Tree of Life, following after the example of Christ. Most of us on this path experience obstacles along the way, but a few seem to suffer hardships and one setback after another through a good portion of their lives.

We may look at those who face an extremely challenging journey through life and wonder: why do they suffer so much? Why are they going through great trial and tribulation? What have they done to ‘deserve’ immense pain and adversity?

Our questions need not be left unanswered. We look to the Scriptures where we are shown that the righteous and wise Almighty Guide is directing the path of those in the midst of a hard journey with purpose. God is blessing His children through their suffering. Blessing? How can good come from pain and sorrow? God’s ways are certainly not like our own natural ways.

For whom the Lord loves, He chastens.

When someone is going through severe trial time and again, God is showing he loves this person. What caring father does not correct his children? What a joyful blessing it is to be loved enough by a Heavenly Father so that He tries us. (Prov. 3:11-12, James 1:2-4)

God will not try us more than we can bear.

It hurts when a person is tried – being polished, shaped, sharpened and refined by tools and fire. Is God too harsh to bring a person so near to a breaking point? No – He is merciful and just and will not give those He loves a trial greater than they can bear. Also, He will always provide a way to escape. (I Cor. 10:13)

All things work together for good.

Even though we may not understand how anything good could come from pain or sorrow experienced during times of trouble, we can be sure that all will work out for God’s glory in the end. A crown of life is in store for those who endure to the other side of the wilderness. (Rom. 8:28, II Tim. 4:7-8)

If we are following Jesus Christ, we are required to die with him so that we may gain the reward of life eternal, by God’s grace. Christ suffered so greatly in his time on the earth, even to death, but is now sitting at the right hand of the Father. We will also be rewarded for our self-denial and sacrifices. If we give up our lives to our Father now, we will gain eternal life in the time to come. (Matt. 10:39)

We can pray for and encourage our fellow-sojourners who seem to be fighting a tougher fight than we are, but we need not worry. We can be assured that those who are suffering from great and sore troubles are loved by God and have been given great strength (for their strength is made perfect in weakness). In the end, all things will work together for good. (II Cor. 12:9-10)

“Thou, which has shewed me great and sore [severe] troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.“ -Psalm 71:20-21

Photo of the Judean Wilderness by Natalie Nyquist