Summary: In the Bible, the Apostle Peter says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” This Bible verse is often used in church benedictions, but sometimes the “after you have suffered a little while” is omitted. Suffering is not a popular subject. It’s one I would like to avoid myself. But you know, God has a way of using suffering to strengthen His people. My wife, Pat, suffered terribly during chemotherapy at age 44, yet her deep trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and the promises of God made her a hero in my eyes. One of the songs she often sang was “Under His Wings I am Safely Abiding.” She really has known Jesus since she was a girl, and it showed during her suffering. I know many people who have come to know Jesus Christ by my telling her story of suffering and strength through Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to help you draw near to Him in your suffering. He will use you to reach your world with your newly deepened faith.
