the fruit of suffering

It's worth repeating that "people who have never suffered in life have less empathy for others, little knowledge of their own shortcomings and limitations, no endurance in the face of hardship, and unrealistic expectations for life." (Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods)

Wow! This is quite a quote...loaded with truth! I, probably like you, do not enjoy suffering. In fact, if I had the choice, I would choose to NEVER suffer.

However, there is fruit that comes from suffering that doesn't come any other way.

Recently, in my life, I am learning to embrace suffering because it can lead to brokenness...and open my heart up to God in a brand new way. I have come to the place where I can say, "I would never have chosen these circumstances, but I appreciate who I am becoming through them." I can honestly admit that I couldn't say that for a while...but by God's grace, I am able to say it honestly... and even thankfully...

When we go through suffering, several things happen if we choose to embrace it and not get bitter, resentful, or swallowed by self-pity... (thanks to Timothy Keller for pointing these out!)

1. We will have increased empathy for others. Show me someone who is judgmental or apathetic toward someone who is suffering, and I will show you someone who has never experienced true brokenness in their life. But the truth is they probably will someday... and will need people to be loving and empathetic toward them...

2. We will have a greater knowledge of our own shortcomings and limitations. I have learned more about myself in suffering than in times of peace... Some of the things I have discovered about myself I don't like... I don't like my shortcomings... I don't like that I have limitations, but I do... and I can not be all things all the time. I can not be strong all the time. I am a human being with human emotions. This helps me to rely on God more than ever when I am confronted with my weaknesses.

3. We will learn to endure. One of the greatest lessons I learned is that suffering does not have to do me in... I can not only survive under it, but I can learn to endure with joy and peace because I know that I KNOW God is with me and has my best in mind. His perfect love casts out my fear that I will not make it through.

4. I develop realistic expectations for life. The truth is that life is not a "happily-ever-after"... it is more of an "acceptance-with-joy" life. Suffering helps me to accept more than I thought I could. I can accept that people will fail me. That I will not be perfect. That my children will not be perfect. That life can seem very hard, even unbearable at times, but that God came to help me with my REAL life, not my IDEAL life. Real life comes with real challenges and real disappointments. Knowing that, and accepting that, can keep me from total devastation when my expectations aren't met.

These are just some of the "benefits" of suffering... and I type that tongue-in-cheek!!

I would love to hear others if you have them...

Blessings!