Romans 5:3-5 (KJV) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
GLORYING IN SUFFERING
Suffering is not what is convenient. No man will rejoice in suffering. Suffering generates pain in the body. Suffering is harsh and horrible.
James 1:2 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
But we glory in suffering. We glory in suffering because we are not suffering like evil doers.
1 Peter 2:19-20 (NIV) For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. [20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
We are not enduring whatever suffering and afflictions we are going through because it was mated unto us for our sins. We endure because it is the fire that will season and refine our lives to produce the desired quality which will make our destiny shine.
SUFFERING MAKES US BETTER IN CHARACTER
Character is the ingredient and trait which makes a lot of life tasteful. Every meal is appreciated because of the taste it produces. In the same vein, our lives become desirous due to the characters we possess. We become beautiful character wise through suffering. Suffering produces perseverance in us. This is the ability to endure and manage ourselves and reactions in the face of delay and unseeming tendencies.
When we have developed perseverance, we will build up good character which produces hope in us. Our hope in God and His promises becomes strengthen through the sufferings and trials God make us go through. Let us allow the full work of trials and sufferings to be manifested in our lives so that we could be better persons and hopeful citizens of heaven.