1 Peter 5:10 - Suffering a Good Thing?

In contemporary Christianity, many have focused on the gifts of God that make us feel good; be they riches, comfort of life, great employment, or good health – who ever heard of suffering being a good thing?  Even more, could suffering actually be a type of grace that God uses in our life? Yes, suffering can both lead and protect us.

For instance, the disciples and Jesus decided to go over to the other side of a lake in a small ship; while Jesus was asleep, the disciples were afraid because of the wind and rains!  (Luke 8:22-25)  Immediately, Jesus calmed the seas after the disciples fearfully awoke Him.  Yet, what if they had not awakened the Master?  Could the sea and the winds actually have moved the boat to where they needed to be instead of the disciples having to row?  Maybe our suffering is meant to lead us to places that others cannot go, such as helping others with cancer, with special needs children, or with  the loss of loved ones?


Corrie Ten Boom (a dutch woman imprisoned in a concentration camp for hiding Jews during World War II) learned to be thankful for lice that were all over her during her internment.  At first, it seemed like cruel suffering … until she learned the guards did not abuse women infested with lice.  It may seem like a small grace in the middle of a greater suffering; but it is actually proof that God works in both the big and small events of life.  Don’t’ fall into the trap of believing God’s riches are only found in material wealth; His riches are imparted many different ways, even in the gift of suffering as difficult as it may be to go through.

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