when God brings suffering

Today we read in the One Year Bible from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8. Paul says that the good news brought severe suffering to the Thessalonians who accepted it. That seems odd, doesn't it?

But we read something similar in the story of Lazarus. When the news reached Jesus that Lazarus was sick and was about to die, the gospel tells us that Jesus waited to go to him BECAUSE He loved him. And that seems odd too! Why would He WAIT to go to him (knowing he was going to die) BECAUSE He loved him?

Well, the reason is a little counterintuitive. God sometimes BRINGS suffering into the lives of those who love Him. We see this especially in the lives of the saints. Most of the great saints, like Francis of Assisi, Therese of Lisieux, Teresa of Calcutta, and John Paul II suffered greatly in their bodies as they grew closer to Him.

But it's never for suffering's sake that He brings it. When Jesus saw that Lazarus had died, He wept. He isn't aloof to our pain. He is right here with us when we're going through it. And it has a point. It brings us closer to Him, it deepens us, it takes away our sins, and it helps us to participate in His redemptive work in the world. So much good comes from our suffering that it might tempt some people (not me) to go LOOKING for suffering.

That's not necessary. Suffering will find you, believe me. Just be prepared so that when it does, it doesn't catch you off guard. Be ready so that when suffering shows up, you're ready. You will know how to handle it. And that it's all for the glory of God.

God, thank You for teaching us what suffering it about. Help us to be ready for it.