+DEV+ The Benefits Of Suffering

Date: November 18, 2015 10:04 PM

Topic: +DEV+  The Benefits Of Suffering

The Benefits Of Suffering

"...we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit..." Romans 5:3-5

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Are there any benefits to suffering in this life? We know we are to look toward eternity and trust in our future glory, but are we just to sit around then and wait for that eternity? No. Although Paul longed to be with God, he knew that it was good that he stayed to encourage those he was with and wrote to. 

Though we have hardships, God will never waste them. He will use them for our good, producing in us further peace and character that will in turn encourage others and maybe even lead others to Christ. He even gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us, to allow us to love others and love Him. Isn't it mind-blowing that God lives inside of us and is always renewing us through our learning and circumstances? 

How utterly disappointing if our sufferings had no meaning! God promises that He sees our sufferings, records them, weeps for them, uses them for our good and His glory, and has overcome them for our salvation. Every moment - heartbreaking ones included - in our lives has every meaning in the world.

Insight: The Holy Spirit in us gives the ability to do the impossible and glory in our sufferings.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm