joy in suffering?

Trials and suffering are good for us because they test and strengthen our faith. They force us to decide if we are going to believe God’s Word is true. Do we really believe that God will provide for all our needs? Do we really believe that He is sovereign, that He can comfort us, that He can cause all things to work together for our good?


Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. --James 1:2-5




When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient.
When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful.
When you feel totally dependent, He is absolutely dependable.
When you are the weakest, He is the most able.
When you are the most alone, He is intimately present.
When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest!
When you feel the most useless, He is preparing you.
When it is darkest, He is the only Light you need.
When you feel the least secure, He is your Rock and Fortress.
When you are the most humble, He is most gracious.
When you say that you cannot, remember that He can!-Author unknown

from The Impossible Response
by Dave Boe