“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8)
Suffering is something we’d rather do without. But that which we’d gladly eliminate from our lives, counting it an unnecessary encumbrance, God chooses to use to produce in us what He views as most necessary.
When we face difficult and painful situations we automatically begin reaching for ways to escape. So often, our way of escape is not God’s way. Suffering positions us to learn the difference between what we could do and what we should do. In our agony we look above. We cry out to God. We ask Him to show us the way.
Suffering can drive us to madness and folly, or it can produce a good brokenness in our spirit. No longer are we trusting in ourselves – lifted up in our own mind and strength to tackle life’s problems. We are desperately aware of how much help we need and we are learning where to go to find it.
Don’t be afraid of suffering. Be afraid of going though life without a dependency on God. If suffering can open your ears to a God who has been afar off; if it can break you of a dependency on yourself – welcome it.