To Inspire:

Are you or a loved one going through a difficult time right now? I (Matt) am seeing some challenging situations all around me right now – among clients, family, friends. The trials are different – some are health related, others relationship struggles, others job or financial. But all of them are real and all of them are a source of suffering at some level. It has me thinking about suffering in this life and the reality of it. It also has me reflecting on how to think about suffering and how to respond to it.

As is often the case, the Bible has a lot to say about human suffering. There’s a verse in the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 5, verses 3-5 that lends great perspective on suffering:

“We can even rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character and character does not disappoint, because (through it) we see God’s love poured into our hearts.”

That’s quite a remarkable statement, isn’t it? The writer (St. Paul) is sharing that as we persevere in our suffering, character is built and character leads to hope. And when we live with hope we are able to see and experience God’s love at work in our lives, even in the midst of our suffering. Wow.

Looking back at my life, my periods of greatest personal growth and maturity have come in and as a result of periods of suffering. Now certainly, my suffering has not been nearly as great as many in this life have experienced. But at the time, there was pain and difficulty. And yet I am now able to look back and even be thankful for what I experienced – for through it I grew in perseverance, character and hope. And that kind of growth helps me see God at work in my life which gives me joy and gratitude.

I would guess that many of you have had that same experience. For that person or persons in your life going through a time of suffering, perhaps you could share that verse and encourage them to persevere, knowing the kind of blessing that awaits them.

Life is such an amazing gift that even our trials become the seed bed of growth which leads to joy. Hang in there – God’s love is with you and always there is hope.

Have a great weekend.

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder