Benefit of Suffering

So many times we ask “Why?” during times a trial. We think that if we know the “why” the burden will be more bearable, somehow. We read of Job’s extreme tribulation and all he suffered, from the loss of his children to his possessions and, finally, his health. He wondered “why.” He even got to talk to God about his situation. And do you know what God told him? Nothing. He actually even said (essentially), “Who do you think you are? I don’t owe you any explanation.” Ouch. But in Romans 8:17 we are given a hint of the purpose in suffering. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” God is not a genie, existing only to hear of our needs and issues. No. God desires RELATIONSHIP with us. Relationship is a two-way street. This life exists not just so God can know how we feel, but also so that we may know the very feelings of God. As life experiences unfold, they allow us to feel the devotion, pain and suffering of the Savior, from rejection to denying the flesh for the sake of God’s will. They are lessons hard won, but lead us to a closer walk and relationship with Him, so that we may share in His glory!