Sometimes, in our suffering, we forget that God is on our side and that He takes good care of us. So here are some reminders of how God can work to transform our suffering into blessings.
That is a popular verse for Christians. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). Our brothers and sisters in Christ, full of good intentions, can quote this verse to us amid our suffering, and this does not always console us. Because during a storm, it can be difficult to see how our situation can work for our good. However, if we take the time to consider how our unfortunate position can benefit us, we then feel stronger and more courageous in the face of the ordeal. God has a thousand ways to emerge victorious from a battle, but let’s start by considering these six ways.
Trials bring us closer to God. How can we truly understand God’s provision if we never experience lack? When things are going well, we can easily forget God (Proverbs 30:7-9). The challenges we experience can be useful in bringing us closer to the heart of God. The vast majority of Christians have given their lives to God after great suffering. They jumped into the arms of their Savior. When we realize that our difficulties bring us closer to God, we see that our trials have a good side after all, and we are more at peace.
Trials teach us. We would like our children to learn life lessons from books or school. Of course, we want to spare them suffering. But how often do our children learn a lesson from a painful mistake? And the same goes for us. Every predicament we find ourselves in can become a life lesson if we are humble enough to let it teach us. When we realize that our difficulties serve to develop our wisdom, we see that our trials have a good side after all, and we are more at peace.
Trials free us from materialism. God blesses us beyond our needs, but our possessions must not become idols. When we experience a financial loss, we can use this ordeal to free ourselves from the hold that material things have on us. “And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well” (Matthew 5:40 NIV). When we realize that our difficulties serve to detach us from the material world, we see that our trials have a good side after all, and we are more at peace.
Trials strengthen our relationships. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15 NIV). It is often through trials that we find our true friends (Proverbs 17:17); those who are there to help us get through our challenges or to take care of our hearts when we are suffering. The bonds created during these difficult times are real and difficult to break. When we realize that our difficulties serve to strengthen our relationships, we see that our trials have a good side after all, and we are more at peace.
There is always loot after a victory. We are more than victorious (Romans 8:37). And when there is a victory, there is always loot for the winner! That is what we see in many stories told in the Bible. As we fight, we may not see the reward, but God is faithful, and we know He has already won the battle. So there will be a reward after this victory. When we realize that there will be a reward after our struggle, we see that our trials have a good side after all, and we are more at peace.
Our victory encourages our pastors. Pastors receive several calls and emails from their members in distress. And that is why they are there: to pray for them and support them. But when one of them rises from a trial and emerges victorious, the pastors rejoice and see the fruit of their labor (2 Corinthians 7:13). Our victories are even more rewarding for them than their salary! When we realize that our victory will be an encouragement to our spiritual authorities, we see that our trials have a good side after all, and we are more at peace.
There are certainly other “good sides” to our trials. Let us try to keep our thoughts on these advantages, and our trials will be easier to tolerate.