Suffering

God stands as the origin of all things, freely giving His gifts to us. Were we to receive what we truly deserved, it would be death—a sobering reality. Yet, God, abounding in mercy and kindness, lavishes upon us an abundance of blessings: joy, peace, love, mercy, forgiveness, and much more. In light of this, how can we selectively accept His blessings while condemning Him during times of suffering?

Suffering and trials serve as the refining fire that shapes us into our intended forms. We must undergo purification, shedding all traces of unrighteousness and dying to our selfish desires. Recognizing that we belong to God and exist for His divine purpose, we embrace our insignificance and remain open to whatever He wills for our lives, be it good or bad.

Difficult individuals in our lives serve as catalysts for internal transformation, challenging us to relinquish our defenses, exhibit kindness in the face of hostility, love the unlovable, respond to hurt with grace, and extend mercy despite being undeserving. These are the same gifts freely given to us by God, expecting us to share them generously with others.

Without the presence of difficult people and the experience of trials and suffering, our transformation into Christ's likeness remains incomplete. These trials illuminate the darkest corners of our being, prompting growth and change essential for our spiritual development.

Those yearning for a close relationship with God must embrace trials and undergo a process of dying to self. As intimacy with God deepens, more layers of our being are exposed, necessitating further change and refinement. True transformation doesn't occur in comfort; it requires the refining fire of trials and tribulations, a lifelong journey.

Yet, God, overflowing with loving kindness, rewards our faithfulness abundantly. He promises to fill our storehouses to overflowing with peace, joy, love, mercy, kindness, and much more for those who remain steadfast in their devotion to Him.