The Value of Suffering

Even though we may not want to hear it, sometimes suffering brings value to our walk with God. The following illustration, which I understand to be true, exemplifies the benefit that can sometimes come from difficult times. St. John of the Cross called the experience the "dark night of the soul." To summarize, the "dark night of the soul" may cause you to feel like God has deserted you; however, He has not. In the midst of the suffering, you are not alone. Never forget His promise to never leave you nor forsake you. Read the below and know that God will deliver you in a greater way than you entered into the suffering:

J. I. Wookey was searching for scrap metal in a pile of rubbish in Lancashire, England when he spotted a leather-bound book. The binding was scorched and smoking, but the pages were in good shape. Wookey grabbed the book and threw it in the back of his car -- where it remained for seven years until Wookey found it as he packed for a move to Canada. A librarian in Toronto told Wookey the book might be valuable, so he sent it to a prestigious New York art dealer. The book proved to be a 300-year-old work by British author Thomas Traherne, which later sold at auction for $110,000!

When we're in a fiery trial, it's easy for us to be deceived by smoldering circumstances. At such times we may not only fail to see any value in our suffering, we may even be tempted to blame God for it.

If you are walking in obedience, never blame God for your circumstances. Instead, rejoice in that He is with you and will not let you go.