Nobody likes to suffer.  Whether it be physical, emotional, or otherwise, suffering is something we do our best to avoid.  Avoiding tribulation in our lives just seems like the natural thing to do.  Unfortunately, we cannot avoid the difficulties of life altogether.  Trouble finds all of us.  The book of Job tells us that, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).  Paul reminds us that while we are in this earthly tabernacle, that is, as long as we are clothed with this physical body, we will groan because of the burdens that overtake us all in this life (2 Corinthians 5:1-4).

The question is not whether we will suffer in this life or not, but how we will respond to it when it comes.  Some people are overwhelmed with self-pity.  Others get angry at the world.  Among those who call themselves Christians, there are two responses—suffering either makes them stronger or weakens their faith.  If you are a child of God, how have you responded to the tribulations of life?  Has it strengthened you or caused you to be weaker in faith?  Paul has an interesting thing to say about how we should respond when suffering comes knocking on our door.

Romans 5:1–3 (ESV)
¹Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.²Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings…

Why would we ever rejoice in suffering?  The only way that we would is if we came to realize that there is real value in it.  The truth is, while there is no pleasure in suffering itself, it can be helpful, especially from a spiritual standpoint.  Read these two verses from the pen of the Psalmist.

Psalm 119:67 (ESV)
⁶⁷Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

Psalm 119:71 (ESV)
⁷¹ It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

You see, the afflictions of life can indeed strengthen us if we have the proper attitude when it comes.  In the rest of Paul’s thoughts in Romans 5, we learn more specifics about how suffering can help us.

Romans 5:3–4 (ESV)
³ Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
⁴and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

We can rejoice when we suffer knowing that it can potentially lead to the development of endurance.  Endurance is a needed characteristic in the Christian’s race for the crown of life.  Without it, the course will not be finished.  Remember, it is not only the start of the race that is important but also the willingness to finish it.  We must stay the course until the end’ and that is only possible if we run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).

We can further see the value of suffering when we consider what endurance does for us.  Paul said that it produces character.  The Greek word (dokimē) means, “proof of genuineness,” and then “approvedness.”  When we prove to God that we have the character to endure the trials of life, we gain His approval, which, in turn, leads to hope, and hope is an anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:18-19).

With these facts in view, the next time affliction infiltrates your life, do not feel sorry for yourself.  Instead, view it as a test that fortifies your faith and helps you to be steadfast and complete in Christ (James 1:2-4).  It will actually draw you nearer to God and get you closer to heaven if you allow it, and that is something over which we can all rejoice.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.