Romans 5:3-4 - Rejoicing in our sufferings

Romans 5:3-4 - Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. As I was reading this, I thought, how can anyone rejoice in suffering? I know that when I am suffering, I am not usually in a rejoicing mood. I have had issues in my life very recent in fact that I had to go through and I can say without a doubt that there was no partying going on at my house. When I read this passage and think about it though, I understand. We rejoice because we have a loving God that will see us through whatever it is we are going through. We have His Holy Spirit to guide us through to greener pastures in our lives. We rejoice because through Him, we have the hope and promise of better times. It is in these times of suffering that He shows us who we are. We learn we are able to persevere through whatever it is the outside world throws at us. It is these times in our lives where we are drawn closer to Him and Him to us. These rough times, these bumps in the road, they help to shape us. It builds and strengthens our character and allows us to be the people that we are. Think about it, if you are going through horrible times in your life but yet you are always saying how blessed you are and have a joyful heart in the Lord, what do you think others will see? They might see a crazy person, but I bet when they take a better look they will see someone on fore for God and someone that God is doing great things with. That is what gives us the hope we see at the end of our passage. Regardless of what this world gives me I know that I have a home better than I can ever dream of when I get where I am going. I have been promised salvation and a life with my creator once all this has passed away. I know I can make it through anything because I have the promise as given me through the Bible. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. What an awesome message. It is one I needed to hear recently and I now understand. Take a step back from your situation, see the bigger picture, and then rejoice. Rejoice because you have a loving God and He is going to use whatever it is in your life to His glory and rejoice that He is willing to use you to that end. We do not have to suffer much if you are rejoicing all the time. Give it all to God and watch Him do great things in your life. Its better than sitting around being miserable and just suffering alone!