Learning Through Suffering

Pain makes us think; thinking makes us wise; wisdom makes life profitable.

Psalm 119:65-72

Suffering brings a perspective to life that can be gained in no other way. For instance, when circumstances cause deep heartache or sorrow, we become more aware of our frailty as human beings. How clearly then do we see the necessity of depending upon a loving God, the One who has promised to minister to our every need! Yes, we view life with increased sensitivity and depth when we're faced with hardship and struggle.

C.H. Spurgeon understood this, for he wrote, "stars may be seen from the bottom of a deep well that cannot be discerned from the top of the mountain: so are many things learned in adversity which the prosperous man dreams not of. We need affliction as the trees need winter, that we may collect sap and nourishment for future blossoms and fruit. Sorrow is as necessary for the soul as medicine is to the body. 'The path of sorrow, and that path alone, leads to the land where sorrow is unknown.

Sadly, when affliction strikes, we often spend too much time thinking about ourselves. Mired in self-pity, we become resentful of the misfortune that has befallen us. We may even complain to God Himself for letting us experience pain or discomfort. How much better to adopt the attitude expressed in our Scripture for today and recognize the benefits of our hardship! Doing this will not only give us a fresh view of God but it will also help us understand the feelings of others who suffer.

Christian friend, are you going through a severe trial? God wants you to learn through suffering.