Finding Joy In Suffering

Life has its up and downs, its crises and catastrophes, good times and bad, pains and times of gain.
Can we really find joy in the suffering?

"Suffering" comes in many forms - shapes and sizes - has many faces.  It is not pleasant nor enjoyable.  Today during my devotional quiet time I was reminded of an exciting fact -  there will come a time when all suffering will cease, all tears will be dried, and all sorrow will be replaced with laughter.

How do we find "joy"?

 Let me share Romans 5:3-5.........

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts......"

Suffering is the training ground basically, that helps us acquire patience, learn all about compassion, develop strength of character, etc.   Perseverance = character = hope.  "Hope does not disappoint."

These are encouraging "words".  Sometimes while suffering we become impatient.  We expect the doctors and hospitals to have all the answers.  We don't understand delays or why the pieces to our unique puzzle don't fit.  Indeed, "sufferings" will cease (even if not on this earth).  Therefore, when frustration surrounds we are confident in our God who loves us,  gives joy and tranquil peace.  The worst sufferings, the worst disappoints of life cannot destroy this!