Is suffering profitable ?
When faced with difficulties and pain, we mature spiritually. We make discoveries about ourselves after each trial as we experience our emotions, our strengths and weaknesses. We learn more about our faith, the Scriptures and opinions. All these reveal to us strengths and weaknesses and whether we boast of Christ or of our own.
We can profit from difficulties and pain by accepting God’s plan for us. Fighting or crying for a way out gains us nothing. Accepting means submitting ourselves to God and accepting that these down times are a gateway to HIS purpose and our profit.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
(0490 12 II 2008)