The greatest Christians in history seem to say that their sufferings ended up bringing them the closest to God - so this is the best thing that could happen, not the worst.
We do not choose suffering simply because we are told to, but because the one who tells us to describes it as the path to everlasting joy.
The Lord did not create suffering. Pain and death came into the world with the fall of man. But after man had chosen suffering in preference to the joys of union with God, the Lord turned suffering itself into a way by which man could come to the perfect knowledge of God.
Suffering is the very best gift He has to give us. He gives it only to His chosen friends.
The word of God teaches that Christians suffer in order that they might glorify God in their lives.
The character of the faith that allows us to be transformed by suffering and darkness is not doubt-free certainty; rather, it is tenacious obedience.
No man ought to lay a cross upon himself, or to adopt tribulation, as is done in popedom; but if a cross or tribulation come upon him, then let him suffer it patiently, and know that it is good and profitable for him.
The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you'll ever get to God.
