“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-5 NIV)
Pain is not fun, yet, it can be useful. Suffering can prompt us to look deeper into ourselves, to question our motives, and to examine our emotions. It can help us see clearly.
Deep sea divers wear weighted belts to counteract the buoyancy of their diving gear. Otherwise, they would keep floating back up to the surface. Without the extra weight, they wouldn’t be able to stay in the depths and examine the ocean floor.
“The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls.” (Johann Richter)
Suffering is not meant to drown us, but to allow us to examine the depths. We are stripped of self-sufficiency and are forced to rely on God’s sufficiency. We may no longer be able to breathe alone, but we can still breathe through the power of the Holy Spirit. We move through grace. As we swim through the deep, we develop perseverance and character. We search with hope. Eventually, we discover pearls of truth and wisdom.
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:5 NLT)
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