From the book “Truth For Today: A Daily Touch of God’s Grace” by John F. MacArthur

Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We often don’t pause to consider that God can turn the evil of suffering into a lesson for good, a lesson we can use to grow spiritually. Sometimes suffering in the form of persecution comes simply because we do not want to compromise our faithfulness to the Lord. Many other times it is merely the common pain, hardship, disease, and conflicts resulting from sin’s corruption of the world.

Sometimes, however, God does bring suffering as a means to discipline us when we fall into a pattern of sin. That’s what happened to Ananias and Sapphira in the early church (see Acts 5:1-11). Similarly, God punished some members of the Corinthian church for their flagrant sins (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).

Whatever the case, you do not have to view suffering as bad. It can teach you kindness, sympathy, humility, compassion, patience, and gentleness. Most important, God can use suffering in unique ways to draw you closer to Him.

Transcript is originally taken from the book and for preview purposes only. Please don’t cut and paste. Subject to copyright.

Our devotion comes from the book:

Truth For Today: A Daily Touch of God’s Grace by John F. MacArthur

Be prepared to be encouraged, challenged, energized, and changed as John MacArthur offers seasoned wisdom on different passages of Scripture. Perfect for daily readings, Truth for Today is a unique gift book destined to be a treasured classic for years to come.

You may buy your copy at Amazon: https://amz.run/4i4s