Is this how we look at suffering? Do we even WANT to learn on to be more dependent on God? Those are some tough questions. If that is indeed God’s purpose for allowing suffering, then shouldn’t we get on board? We say we wish to do HIS will, right? What’s the alternative? Not accepting that God is allowing the suffering for our good? Not becoming more dependent on Him? Harboring resentment at God and becoming more dependent on SELF? We’d be wise to embrace this truth from Sproul and these words God spoke to/through Paul —
2Co 12:7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
2Co 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
2Co 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
—2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Is God’s grace sufficient in our minds? Do we believe God’s power is made perfect in our weakness? Are we content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities? Do we look to endure them for the sake of Christ? These are transformational questions we should be asking each other and ourselves!