God Uses Suffering....

To make His children humble. Paul could have bragged. Paul could have boasted. He could have seen his unique relationship with God as point of pride, but God used it to humble him. He says, however, that a thorn was given for his flesh to prevent him from being conceited (2 Corinthians 12:7). That thorn was given to Paul to kill every proud tendency that he would ever have.

God uses pain for us in a similar way. When we feel like we have reached a spiritual climax, and are convinced that we have our many blessings because we deserve them, God allows us to endure pain and suffering in order to "bring us down a notch". God requires that His servants be humble, because He "opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).

To draw us to Himself. The old gospel song puts it this way, "Where could I go but to the Lord?" When we face hard times, seemingly, the default Person to turn to is God. When Paul was confronted with his thorn for the flesh, he prayed three times (2 Corinthians 12:8). Profound suffering has a positive on a Christian's private prayer life. Heavenly Father should be the first One we consult when we are facing rough times in life.

To display His grace. When life is "running smoothly", it is a temptation to have confidence in one's self. But, increased grace on God's part, increases our confindence and assirance in Him. Jesus told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9a). God's grace proves itself when we are faced with overwhelming difficulties. When confronted with "affliction and wanderings", Jeremiah said this about God's grace, "His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning" (cf. Lamentations 3:19-23). God's grace is seen in my suffering!