It’s a bittersweet reality. People suffers. There is no one on Earth with enough money, power or prestige to delegate their share of life’s grief. The tabloids are rife with the stories of the celebrated, rich and powerful trying to buy peace of mind; yet they, too, still suffer from calamity and misfortune.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake…have no fear of them, nor be troubled.

I Peter 3:14

The Bible has a lot to say about earthly sorrow. Interestingly, Jesus says suffering as a believer is not to be feared or avoided. Why? Suffering causes you to develop endurance in your faith, and that enduring faithful strength produces a Christ-like character in your life. The ultimate outcome of character in life is hope. Miraculously, when a believer in Jesus suffers, the end result is hope!

If you are enduring difficulties today, be assured it is not pointless misery. Every tear you shed is known by your loving Father. Some sorrow will be redeemed in this life on Earth, transformed into a soulful peace. Other travail will be counted as righteousness to your soul and exchanged for joy in Heaven. Regardless of your situation, don’t fear; the One who called you by name will, by His name, redeem all pain.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:1-8