It’s true, life really does suck sometimes, but what if those bumps or head-on collisions on the road of life have a real benefit for us? Here’s a different idea, what if hard times in life are meant for our benefit?
Hard times are going to come to us all, they’re inevitable; and it can be tough especially when we don’t understand the benefits, reasons, and ways to deal with hard moments in our lives. Horrible things happen in this life, and I am not discounting that; I’m just saying there may be a better mindset to have regarding it all.
What’s being offered is a new perspective on how to view the sufferings and hardships that invade our lives. Whether it is the death of a loved one, loss of a job, or an infuriating roommate; there is an uplifting and truly beautiful way to embrace the challenging times in our lives.
The Bible gives some insight on how to view and embrace the benefits of suffering.
1.Through difficulties it will build us up to be strong and “perfect, lacking in nothing”. It will shape our character. (James 1:2-4)
2.Suffering can test us to show what we are really made of (Genesis 22:1-14 , The whole book of Job, Matthew 26:69-75 , Acts 4:1-21)
3.Sometimes it takes “rock bottom” moments to turn a person’s life around and point them in the right direction. (Acts 9:1-16)
4.Sometimes suffering in one person’s life can be the reason someone else believes in Jesus. -The apostle Paul said that his imprisonment helped to advance the gospel. (Philippians 1:12-14)
Here are some other references and reasons for suffering: (Job 40:3-5; Job 42:2, 3; Lamentations 3:19-24; Daniel 3:16-18; Habakkuk 3:17-19) (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) (1 Peter 5:10) (Hebrews 12:7) (Hebrews 12:11) (Hebrews 5:8)
Hard times aren’t there to make our lives miserable, but to correct and better us; and we see that played over and over again in the Bible.
It’s easy to sulk and drown ourselves in the pains of this life, but there are other mindsets to have regarding suffering. While, I am by no means dismissing the real pain and true difficulty that collides with our happiness , I am merely sharing the alternative insights found in the Bible to deal with the hard times and giving a new perspective on reasons why pain and suffering are truly a benefit to shaping our lives.
