Resilience

 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
Romans 5:3 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.5.3.ESV

The previous verses are about rejoicing in the hope that Jesus brings. Paul goes on to talk about rejoicing in sufferings. This might sound sadistic, but hear him out.

We don't rejoicing in suffering for its own sake. Suffering is miserable and no-one in their right mind enjoys it. Yet the wonderful thing about the Christian faith is that suffering isn't meaningless.

Suffering can produce endurance. The trendy word for endurance nowadays is resilience. This is the ability to persevere in the midst of adversity.

The Christian faith isn't just stoicism however. Just as Jesus's suffering leads to salvation for many, so our suffering can help us work out our salvation. Our hope isn't in this life; it's in the life to come.

'Lord God, we're grateful that suffering isn't meaningless. Please help us to endure it as we look forward to our final redemption. In Jesus' name, amen'

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