We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 3:3-5, The Living Bible

I’ve always had problems with this whole idea of rejoicing when we suffer! I mean, wouldn’t a loving all-powerful God fix things so we didn’t have to? Because I’ve always had the sneaking feeling He should, when I run into problems and trials, I don’t only get pouty and “Why me, God?”, I start to doubt in His love.

But this is a great verse to put things in proportion. Sometimes, the best thing a loving parent can do is let their kids suffer. If every time a baby learning to take it’s first steps fell over and wailed, their mother or father picked them up and said, “That’s it, no more learning to walk for you, it’s far too dangerous, I can’t allow you to be hurt,” none of us would walk!

I want to walk. I want to run. I want to become strong in the Lord and grow a deep steady faith. And that only happens by going though trials. Trying to walk, falling over, and just like the baby, trusting that He will be there to pick me up, dry my tears, give me a cuddle, then encourage me to try again.

Because He will be there, always. Not making me go through trials because he’s a sadist. Letting me go through trials, because He wants me to grow.