Goodness in the Midst of Pain
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…” Romans 8:28
“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3
My first reaction to reading 2 Timothy 2:3 is “no thanks!”
Suffering can come in many forms, of course. Most of us have suffered pain and hardship. Speaking first hand, it’s no mystery that I’ve been the cause of some of my suffering.
There have been some times in my life when it wasn’t anything I did or said that brought on suffering and I couldn’t help but to ask: “WHY???”.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;”. Romans 5:3
Our story of God moving in the midst of our faithful perseverance becomes our testimony of encouragement to others.
While suffering can feel meaningless, in God’s hands, pain becomes purpose.
Something to contemplate today: How have my hardest moments shaped my faith or empathy?
