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The Blessings of Suffering

Whatever happens to us, we can be confident that it is for our ultimate good and God’s glory. At times, this may be hard to see or understand, but it is reality. Notice a number of blessings from suffering in the Scriptures:

• Suffering softens your heart towards God’s Word
  “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” Psalm 119:67
• Suffering opens your heart to make you more teachable
  “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Psalm 119:71
• Suffering teaches you to be compassionate
  “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• Suffering strengthens your heart to make you more mature
  “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4
• Suffering humbles your heart
  “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” 2 Corinthians 12:7
• Suffering shows our weakness so we can rely on Christ’s strength
  “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Suffering makes you desire eternal things
  “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18