Why do we suffer?

We all go through seemingly unbearable times in our lives—trials at home, trials at work, trials in dealing and living with our neighbors—but we must maintain the proper attitude toward these trials for God's honor and glory.

This morning I read two different passages that applied to a trial I am currently experiencing. Comforting truths, indeed:

Proverbs 17:3
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.

"The Lord tests hearts." We are going to be tested. And that testing is likened here to refining fires—fires that cause the metals to melt completely. Not something any of us are likely to volunteer for.

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is how we endure the testing of our hearts. "Do not be anxious about anything...by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." And the result of this way of enduring these trials is that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

We must cling to Jesus, realize that he cares for us, realize that God is the Sovereign of the universe and has all things under control. And we must rest in that knowledge and submit to his love.

Life can be hard. In fact, life is hard. But God will comfort his own. We have been bought and paid for. If we demonstrate to a watching world the "peace that surpasses all understanding," God will be glorified in us.