Suffering = New Life

I just received a text from a friend saying that she was reading a book on suffering, thought of me and hoped I was having a great day.  And not that I found her text funny, but I actually laughed when I read it...then was really inspired to start writing.

A couple years ago, I would have said...  That my life sucked and would have used lots of colorful language to emphasize the suckiness of it.  That I didn’t think life was fair.  That somehow I always got the short end of the stick.  That my life didn’t turn out as I planned.  That I had amounted to nothing.  That everything I started somehow did not get finished.  That I was a failure.

When I think about it now, I honestly don’t believe my life has been bad.  In fact, I think it’s turned out really great!  I love my life…well, most of the time anyway!  LOL!

Suffering…hmmmm….

Yes, before now I would have said that I had been through hell and back multiple times.  And perhaps I have.  But today I am able to look at what I’ve been through in a new light.  From a different perspective.  In a new way.  In His way.

If I hadn’t experienced everything I had, I wouldn’t be in a position to do the things I am doing today.  

If I hadn’t experienced everything I had, I don’t think my love for God would be as great as it is today.

If I hadn’t experienced everything I had, I wouldn’t be able to connect and empathize with people on so many different levels as I am able to today.

I can look back and see that my suffering had a purpose.  Its purpose was not only to redirect me to the path I was supposed to be on, but to prepare me to do the work God intends for me to do.  Am I 100% sure of what His purpose is for me?  No.  But I do know that I am going in the right direction.  I also know that my suffering has prepared me to experience great joy and peace…a peace I never though was possible!  And it has given me clarity in the way I view things and the way I live my life.

Now when I’m in the middle of suffering…instead of wallowing in shame, self pity or regret (for very long), I am able to turn to His word, give thanks and rejoice for the many blessings I have been given.

In the same way, I will not cause pain 

without allowing something new to be born.”…

Isaiah 66:9 ERV

As I’ve personally experienced...out of suffering comes...clarity, direction, purpose, peace…a renewed life!