We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3–4)
During a difficult season of suffering, I was given a brain-rattling truth by a wise and trustworthy woman who said, “You are in suffering school.”
She’d recognized all the signs of a student enrolled in said school.
At her statement, I felt my brows furrow. Because somehow, I’d unwillingly been registered to attend SSU, Suffering State University—a challenging place of higher education—and ushered down its narrow hallways.
With a name like that, would you apply for admission?
Right. Me neither. Especially since the school colors, as I discovered, were an ominous mix of black and . . . black. Whether we want to attend or not, we’ll find ourselves enrolled in SSU by divine intervention. And on a full scholarship, the cost lavishly paid for by the blood of Jesus.
At SSU we won’t live on campus but, rather, in God’s presence—for as many semesters as it takes.
Our ultimate degree is holiness. Course requirements include classes on Perseverance and Character. No easy A’s here. But in the midst of suffering, they’re prerequisites for the one we’re most interested in.
Hope.
At graduation, I imagine God, the almighty Dean of Students, placing a hard-earned degree in our hands. Mid-point across the stage, he’d offer us a robust, “Well done, child!”
We’d likely squint our eyes at his radiance, then direct swift steps toward the exit … until his unsolicited question landed at the back of our robes.
“You’ll be considering re-enrollment?” God might say.
We might glance over our shoulder and respectfully decline, saying, “Thank you just the same, but, uh, no. Sir.”
But like the all-wise educator he is, God invites us to discover a new truth. “So, you’ve learned the secret of being content through suffering?” God might ask.
“Being content and suffering. Can these co-exist?” we might ask with trepidation.
“It’s how you’ll know hope,” he might say.
“But Lord, isn’t one degree in suffering sufficient?”
A knowing smile would dawn on God’s face while he thumbed the darkened, circular scar in each of his palms, saying, “The best way to understand suffering is to go through it.”
Then he might draw us to his side, usher us off stage and, at some point, we’d find ourselves re-enrolled.
A scan of the course offerings suggests we’re required to take Practical Perseverance II and Character Construction II. The syllabus doesn’t detail any test dates, but we’re told to expect them and to be ready.
As promised in Scripture, which is the Professor’s required text, we’ll experience hope. Maybe develop a good bit of holiness, too.
Attentive and teachable students in SSU learn that suffering serves a useful purpose because God, the Master Engineer, works all things for his glory and our good.
A great job opportunity awaits those who persevere through the rigors of SSU.:
Head of Proclaiming Truth to Incoming Freshmen.
Questions to Ponder
1. Where are you on the road to SSU?
2. If already enrolled or a worthy graduate, what have you learned?
What truth did the morning bring?
*Considering the immense hardships many are enduring in NC and, now, Florida, I'm reposting this devotion I wrote about 8 years ago during an intense period of hardship. SSU: Suffering State University is published in my devotional, What the Morning Brings: 52 Story-Style Devotions. This unique devotional is a collection of inspirational messages I've posted on Mary's Musings blog.
If you know anyone personally who could use a word of reassurance that God is present in their sufferings, please let me know. I'd love to send them a free copy of the book!
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