From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

Someone once said, “Despair is suffering without meaning.” We all suffer one way or another. We make poor decisions, or others come against us or just the happenstances of life. What you do and how you think during these suffering times often determines whether the suffering will make you or break you.

If you know in your heart of hearts that all suffering has meaning, then you’ll push back that despair. We have to understand, though, that God did not invent suffering, as some may think. Suffering was introduced after Adam and Eve disobeyed and separated all mankind from God. (Thank you, Jesus, for sewing us back together!)

Suffering is here to stay, on this side of heaven, at least. But what can you do? Read Romans 5:3-4. It tells us we can actually exult in our tribulations (wha-a-a-a-t?). Yes, because tribulations bring about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope. That’s how people, who have had much greater suffering than any of us, i.e., POWs, Boston bombing amputees, Holocaust survivors, disaster victims, etc., have said they coped with their situations. Many have said they not only coped with the tribulation but have extracted great personal meaning and growth from their suffering. If we let it, suffering can benefit us, slow us down and help move us and others towards God…the ultimate Hope! Endure the fire—it’s producing pure gold!

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