suffering

“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” Romans 5:3-4 ESV

Suffering. It's a fascinating thing to me. We all suffer in one way or another. Most of us are suffering right now. But to what degree?

What does your suffering look like?

For some of us its starvation. Others, addiction. Illness. Abuse. Loneliness.
Maybe its financial stress, marital issues, mental health.

We often we hide our suffering. Maybe its pride. Or maybe we're just grateful for the ways we aren't suffering. I think its for a lot of different reasons.

The bible shares a lot with us about the purpose of suffering. The cool thing I've found about it? It connects us all. We've all suffered. It connects us to the One who suffered for us.

So the next time someone asks you how you've been, be honest. Down to the nitty gritty truth, if appropriate. I'm guessing you'll bless that person, and you'll both have renewed hope.

God tends to do cool stuff like that.
Just sayin'...