The Gifts of Suffering

'Tis the season of Christmas and we find ourselves surrounded by gifts. Yet, some of the greatest gifts we ever receive are not wrapped with paper and bows, but wrapped with trial and tears. 

Twenty two years ago I received a diagnosis of dermatomyositis, a diagnosis that would ultimately impact the rest of my life. I've experienced a multitude of ups and downs through the years. Sometimes life with pain and fatigue, day in and day out, is extremely difficult; yet I know it has shaped me and in the long run made me a better person. While they are not easy gifts to receive, there are truly gifts of suffering. 

The Gift of Gratitude 

After years of dealing with the ups and downs of illness, I am constantly learning how to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). On top of that, because I have gone years without certain abilities, when God has graciously allowed me to have them back, I feel a deeper sense of gratitude for every ability I gain back, no matter how small. 

The Gifts of Contentment and Joy

I am certain than one cannot know true contentment or joy until they've experience suffering. Worldly contentment and joy says, I'm happy because of my circumstances; but Biblical contentment and joy come from being happy within the hardest of circumstances. One cannot not be content in all things until they've lived through all things, and are able to say that it truly is Christ that gives them strength (Philippians 4:10-13).

The Gifts of Perseverance and Hope

Learning to be content and patient within your trials, leads to perseverance, and perseverance leads to hope. Even better than that, it leads to a Hope that will not disappoint us. (Romans 5:3-5)

The Gift of Ministry and Compassion

As we allow God to comfort us, we in turn learn how to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). One of the greatest gifts my suffering has given me is that it has softened my heart and allowed me to be compassionate towards others. I have the ability to truly engage with those who suffer, because I have suffered. 

The Gift of Longing for Heaven 

Suffering reminds us that we are not meant for this world. Our pains remind us that we were not created to live in a fallen, sinful world, and gives us reason to hope for the glory of Heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17). 

The Gift of Sufficient Grace

I have found that one of the greatest gifts I've been given in my suffering is the gift of sufficient grace. There are times when I look back and know the only reason I survived extremely difficult days was because of God's daily, sufficient grace, because the fact that I have endure such dark days without completely falling apart is nothing short of a miracle (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The Gift of Suffering with Christ

And finally, when we suffer as Christians we have the opportunity to suffer with Christ and eventually be glorified with Him! (Romans 8:17). Our sufferings help to draw us closer to Him, refining us and making us more like Him through our hardships. 

Though these are not the typical gifts we think of at Christmas time, I think they are gifts we should ponder the entire year. So as you gather around your tree this year, think of the "unconventional" gifts God has given you, the lessons He has taught you, and the blessings you have received. 

Merry Christmas!

Jesus is the reason

For the season. 

(And every day of our lives). 

For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given: 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called Wonderful, 

Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6