“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given to us. “
Romans 5:3-5

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What do you rejoice in? Is it accomplishment or recognition? A successful career or comfortable home? Is it your marriage or children or grandchildren? To rejoice in any or all of these things is reasonable, but to rejoice in suffering sounds nonsensical. Whoever heard of being pleased with difficulty and painful experiences?

Who wants their weaknesses revealed? Not me, except that honest admission of my weaknesses might be the means by which God works in my life. Suffering reveals something that otherwise remains hidden, the real inner person. Some have described us as full containers, which when jostled spill their contents. What leaks out may not be pleasant, but this is exactly what needs to be addressed. None of us go through suffering unphased. Suffering can be the opportunity to develop perseverance and character. A mature individual will look back and acknowledge that it was in the hard times they grew the most.

But suffering does not automatically result in a mature character. Suffering can produce embitterment and deep resentment, especially if the suffering is a result of injustice or other evil. But our God is always working His purposes through any and everything we encounter. We have little control over what life brings, but by God’s grace we can choose our response.

The end result of faith in God during seasons of suffering is hope or overwhelming confidence in God, filling our hearts with His love by the Holy Spirit. Adversity in my life shows my weaknesses, which He redeems, producing perseverance, character, and hope. Adversity in the lives of others affords God-given opportunities for me to love them—another blessing.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How are our weaknesses the conditions which allow God to do His work in our lives?
  • What spills out when you get jostled?
  • What sorts of perseverance, character, and hope has suffering produced in your life?

Church Reading Plan: Job 41; 2 Corinthians 11