A season of suffering is a small assignment when compared to the reward. Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder it. And most of all, use it.

Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end–the glory of God.  – Max Lucado

Many of us, regardless of income, age, or race, know a thing or two about suffering. We’ve confronted the ugly face of cancer; we’ve tasted the bile tinged flavor of sickness; and we’ve gone toe to toe with hardship, disappointment and feeling inadequate.

We’ve lost jobs. We’ve lost marriages. Some of us have even lost children or loved ones. Let’s face it, suffering is all around us. It doesn’t matter if you’re an Atheist, a Muslim, Jewish or Agnostic; suffering is not a respecter of persons. It does not discriminate. It is not exclusive; and it never takes any prisoners.

But did you hear what Max said? 

Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder it. And most of all, use it. 

Suffering affects us all but so does empowerment. We each bear the responsibility to explore our suffering and use it to fuel our inner selves–use it to drive us forward.  We are beacons of hope in the making. We are pillars of strength with the ability to reach beyond ourselves–beyond our sphere of comfort–to help guide others through life’s rough terrains into safety.

Your pain has a purpose. 

Whether it’s to help your friends, strengthen someone’s resolve or just to serve as a reminder to others facing similar situations, there is a purpose for the hell you’ve been through. Your triumph over the painful things in your life functions like a well lit lighthouse on an otherwise foggy night.

None of us like to suffer; but if your heartbreak saves the life of someone else, wouldn’t you say it’s worth it? If it gives someone just one more reason to hang on and not throw in the towel, wouldn’t it be worth it? What if that someone were your sister, your uncle or your son’s best friend? Would it be worth it then?

Problems, struggles and heartache are temporary; hope, triumph and love are eternal. Don’t begrudge your problems use them.