How To Suffer

"We feel secure even in trials, knowing that trials produce patience, from patience comes merit, merit is the source of hope, and hope does not disappoint us because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of God." - Romans 5:3-5

I've been reading the lives of saints such as St. Teresa of Avila and St. Therese of the Child Jesus and one thing stands out to me - they all suffered with joy. Usually, any small problem that comes into my life is enough to floor me and totally depress me. It's so hard for me to sometimes accept that following God doesn't actually mean we're saved from suffering. On the contrary, in a faith where we were redeemed because Christ suffered and was crucified, we need to understand that suffering is a very important part of the mystery of God. We all suffer for many different reasons, and if Jesus was exalted by God because He accepted God's will and suffered with joy, then I have to practice that in my own life.

I've been trying to do this lately and I'm surprised to say that as painful as some trials can be, since I am resolved to accept what God has allowed into my life, He has given me peace in the storm. This has given me patience to endure what's going on without going into despair like I usually would have. Saint Paul says that from patience comes merit and this is true because when we tell God that we accept the suffering with peace and offer up the pain for a good cause, God is pleased with that. It is an ultimate sign of trust in Him if we don't let the suffering blind us. If we don't deny Him or become angry and we pray to accept what comes, God sees our effort and turns our suffering into great blessings for us. In fact, I'm convinced that if we do this sincerely, anything we ask of God during our trials, He will give us.

Today's Prayer:
Lord God, help me so that I can accept the hardships that come into my life as calmly as I accept the good. Be with me when I suffer. Help me see how, in staying close to You, I can grow stronger no matter what is going on around me. Give me the grace to never deny You or fall into despair, but trust in You always. In Jesus' Name, amen.