The Story of GodSample

Boiling water can soften a potato or harden an egg. Suffering and persecution can harden or soften a heart. In my greatest times of sorrow, God's tender care for me has been clearer and sweeter. In Stephen's time of trial, he was shown Jesus' glory. Setting his eyes on Christ gave him delight despite the terrible persecution and death that he suffered.

Suffering draws something out of our hearts. Perhaps it will be unresolved issues in our hearts that create bitterness towards God. Perhaps it will be a recognition of our weakness that causes us to throw ourselves on God's mercy.

While it can be hard to accept when the pain is consuming us, God can and does use suffering for our good. He used Jesus' suffering to save sinners. He used Stephen's suffering to draw him into greater intimacy with Jesus and also to demonstrate the grace of God, forgiving those who hate him. He used the persecution of the church to scatter his followers, and so the good news spread.

Questions

When you suffer, what does it reveal about your heart?

How might God be using painful circumstances in your life for good?