The Hidden Mercy in Pain and Suffering

“Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 N.I.V

We learn not to touch hot things from the first pain we experienced which immediately made us pull away and avoid further hurt. When our bodies pain we seek treatment. When we are pushed out of our comfortable nests, we learn how to cope in the real world and learn how to be creative, resourceful, strong, and courageous. We gain confidence, humility and patience. If we have suffered pain we are able to encourage others going through similar problems.

Most of life’s lessons you learn through pain. Therefore suffering is a gift; a hidden mercy.  As Jesus said we get pain and suffering so that we learn how to overcome our situations in the world. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Through suffering we learn the error of our ways and seek repentance and salvation. The suffering of the second thief made him realize the extent of God’s grace. He had lived out his entire life immersed in all sorts of wickedness and deserved to die yet Jesus did not consider him hopeless. He was repentant of the life he had lived and got the courage to say, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” Luke 23:42.

*****

Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what my heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape. --Charles Dickens

*****