Rejoice in Sufferings

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. - Romans 5:3-4

All of us wants to experience all the best in life. We want success, blessings, abundant life and all the positive things the world can offer. But the truth of the matter is, life is not all about being sucessful, blessed and joyful.

Sufferings, testings and adversaries are part of a person's life. No one is exempted in any problems and trials. May you want it or not, you will face hardships - that is the reality of life.

The question now is, how should we respond to sufferings? People have different ways responding on their hard situations. Some people cry and feel sad (and nothing is wrong with that, it is okay not to be okay!). Some people feel depressed (we cannot invalidate and belittle their feelings). Some may ignore what they feel and pretend that they are strong. Whatever our response is, we need to keep in mind that all the problems we are experiencing are all temporary and it will not last for a lifetime. It will surely come to pass.

Also, the above bible verse i have written above, is a reminder for all of us that even in the midst of sufferings and testings we can still be joyful knowing that our hope is found in our Lord.

According to that verse, suffering is a blessing in disguise. Because sufferings can produce perseverance in us, and as we persevere our character is also developed and as our character is being molded, hope is also developed. Suffering is God's way of bringing out the best in us. Without suffering we could not really know that we are strong. Without testing we cannot become victorious. Without problems we cannot know that we are conquerors.

“They who dive in the sea of affliction bring up rare pearls.” - Charles Spurgeon

So instead of allowing sufferings to knock us down, we can choose to be joyful and thankful because we have given the opportunity to exercise our faith and our potential.

Rejoicing in suffering does not mean to invalidate your feelings and situation, it does not mean to pretend that nothing is wrong, it also does not mean you should ignore problems but i believe it means persevering knowing and believing that God is in control. Suffering will lead you to greater hope and faith in the Lord. Suffering producing something that os worthwhile. Just like a mother who is giving birth to her child, that experience is so difficult and painful but despite of the difficulty there's also a joy in the mother's heart because she know that after that very painful experience her child will come out.

Personally, those trials i have experienced in the past taught me many lessons. It made me stronger than before. It boost the confidence in me, and most importantly it strengthen and deepen my faith and relationship with the Lord. Sufferings draws me closer to God. I've realized that i cannot face all the trials alone, i really need God and He did not disappoint me.

Choose to be thankful and joyful in every situation we are in. God has a reason for evrything.