God and Suffering

I joined the Sisterhood of Cancer Survivors back in December when I was diagnosed with cancer. This was definitely not a club I ever thought I would join!  But, one thing I've been very clear about is that I want to glorify God in all that I do....even if it means membership to this dreaded sisterhood!

So I did a search and found the following quote. "God can use suffering to cause us to: 1) mature and grow, 2) to lovingly use it for a higher good, 3) to display His work in me, & 4) as a way of chiseling me into the image of Christ."

I know many people would debate that an all powerful, loving God would allow pain and suffering!  God didn't create this world to have suffering. He wanted it to be perfect, but He is a gentleman and would not override man's choice. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey, sin (and all the other bad things) entered this world. 

The good news is that God is a good and perfect parent, and He can use our suffering for His purposes!  A good parent will see to it that their child grows to their full extent in every way possible. If a child is struggling with a lesson they need to learn, the parent won't rescue that child, but will be there loving, guiding, and teaching!  Even if the parent is watching through their own tears!

That's a picture of God. He is that good, loving parent! I can't fully know or understand the spiritual realms. But He does! Maybe he allowed this, and is using it to prepare me for what lies up ahead. 

Certainly, this trial has already caused me to grow spiritually, and to have deeper levels of love, compassion, appreciation, and gratitude.   I'm also learning what's helpful (and not so helpful) regarding how to comfort others who are suffering, and learning to witness to others more effectively.  And I know He's there every step of the way, loving, guiding, and teaching.  How can I be anything but thankful?