Victory Through WeaknessSample

The Fruit of Suffering

Do you consider yourself privileged? Your answer to this question probably depends on how you define advantage and disadvantage. Maybe you are presently experiencing struggles and difficulties. These may include illness, disease, disabilities, or financial crises. In spite of your problems, God gives you a reason to rejoice and consider yourself blessed today—namely, the wonderful fruit of suffering.

If you took a poll asking for the one thing people desire most, the common response would likely be happiness. The general refrain from people around the world is, “All I want is to be happy.” It seems to be a simple request. So what are the necessary requirements for you to be happy?

You might have found yourself saying, “If only this would happen, I would be happy.” Or, “If God would just do this, I would be content.” This type of thinking is problematic and even dangerous. If happiness is dependent upon long life, the person diagnosed with a terminal condition will live in despair. If joy is only found in healing, the child with severe physical disabilities can know nothing but sorrow. God, however, does not define these problems as man does.

In this passage, Paul helps us see God’s perspective on happiness. If you are in Christ, you are privileged. Not only do believers have peace with God, but they also own a new perspective on every aspect of life. Your future is secure, and you can look forward to sharing God’s glory!

Paul does not avoid the problem of pain and suffering. In fact, he makes a declaration that seems absurd: You can rejoice when you experience problems and trials. This is possible because of the result of troubles. What is this wonderful fruit of suffering? It is the strength of character, which builds the confident hope of salvation, that comes from enduring hardship.

The next time you encounter a trial, consider the peace that you now have with God. Remember that the result of suffering is worth walking the painful road that brings you to this destination. The experience of suffering causes you to let go of the fleeting comforts of earth and cling to the eternal joy found in Jesus. Your future is secure in Christ, and you can have confidence knowing that God is at work in your life today. Delight in this all-satisfying fruit, which is heavenly hope.