In James 1:2-4 (NIV) we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
“Live in a manner that justifies your own suffering.” — Jordan Peterson
See to it that everything you are experiencing that you would gladly get rid of if you could, is forced to be a blessing in disguise by virtue of how you react to it.
Cover to cover, the Bible informs us that absolutely everything that happens to us — irrespective of the instigating factors — presents us with an opportunity to grow, that is, to do whatever it takes to more consistently be someone in whose presence others feel helped and encouraged.
So long as we choose not to benefit from it, we exacerbate our suffering — in the words of Jesus to Saul, the persecutor, “it is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (Acts 26:14) “The figure is from an ox, being driven on in his work. When restive or lazy, the driver pricks him, and in ignorance of the consequences, he kicks back, and so gets another wound.” (Cambridge Bible)
