by Sandy Kirby Quandt

During a recent Bible study the topic of suffering came up. One thing I brought up was our need to be authentic, transparent, when we go through tough stuff. One of the reasons I believe it is helpful to be authentic is so others will be able to help us through things they may have experienced.

Jesus told us in this world we WILL have trouble. Who are we to act as if what he said isn’t true by pretending everything in our life is perfect?

If we let it, our pain and troubles can draw us closer to God when we acknowledge he’s our hope and comfort. Our pain often shows us we aren’t the ones in control. God is. Our struggles often allow us opportunities to sympathize with others who go through similar situations.

There are things God has brought me through that I would have preferred not to experience, and which I hope to never go through again. I’m sure many of you could say the same thing.

But you know what? If God hadn’t allowed us to go through those experiences we would not have the opportunity to see his hand at work in those dreadful, horrid places.

I don’t eagerly look forward to more difficult times so I can experience more of God. No, sir. But I am trying to remember when those hard places hit, Jesus hasn’t left the building. He’s still right here beside me, now and forever.

Do you think if we never had a worry or care we’d start to feel pretty good about ourselves? Maybe to the point of feeling self-sufficient?

And maybe, just maybe, we’d start to feel like we were okay and didn’t need God?

Perhaps God allows us to go through the tough stuff to make sure we don’t start to believe we’re all that and a bag of chips.

What do you think?

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So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NLT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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