“Because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
One of my seminary professors used to say, “Until you’ve been to the bottom of the abysssssss, your faith will always remain shallow.”
I never liked it when he said that. Whatever the abysssss was, the way he said it, I didn’t want any part of it.
That’s kind of the way I feel about pain and suffering. Yeah. I know. The Bible says that suffering produces Godly character and hope. But, come on…pain and suffering.
You know…Pain hurts. Suffering stinks.
So what’s wrong with a shallow, characterless, hopeless faith?
That’s just the problem. That’s not good either.
So if you find yourself going through a season of pain, loss, and suffering, take note. God is preparing you, training you, and setting you up for a season of growth and maturity.
Think about lifting weights in the gym or running. The only way we get into shape and improve is through pain and suffering. But today’s pain is in preparation for tomorrow’s strength.
Because of who our God is, the pain, suffering, and loss you are experiencing today will lead to the strength you will enjoy tomorrow.
Praxis: Faith in Action 