We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Suffering is relative, isn’t it?
I could run low on toilet paper and say I'd suffered, yet a friend could experience the death of a child and say she’d suffered.
During a difficult season of suffering, I was told quite matter-of-factly by a wise and and influential woman,
“You are in suffering school.”
Imagine this exchange ...
“Where do you go to school?”
With nary a tinge of pride, I would respond, “Um, S.S.U.”
They might return a blank stare, head tilted a little “Where’s that? Like, California or ...?”
I’d place a hand against my heart. “Uh uh. It’s right here.”
S.S.U. Known by its students as Suffering State University.
With a name like that, would you apply for admission?
Right. Me neither. Especially if their school colors were something dreadful like black and…black.
However, I regularly find myself enrolled in this place of education. By Divine intervention. On full scholarship, lavishly paid for by the blood of Jesus.
At S.S.U, I don’t live on campus, but, rather, in God’s presence…for as many semesters as it takes. I’m told my ultimate degree is holiness.
I’ll be taking courses on Perseverance and Character. No easy A’s here. But they’re prerequisites for the one I’m most interested in. Hope.
Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (vs 4)
Upon graduation, God Himself, the Almighty Dean of Students, will place that hard-earned degree in my hand while I’m mid-point across the stage and offer a robust, “Well done, child!”
I’d likely squint my eyes at His radiance, return a smile, then direct swift steps toward the exit…until His unsolicited question lands at the back of my graduation robe.
“You’ll be considering re-enrollment?”
I’d swivel on my feet and stare blankly. “Thank you just the same, but, uh, no. Sir.”
“So you’ve learned the secret of being content through suffering?”
I sense He knows the answer to his inquiry but, like all wise educators, invites me to discover new truth.
“Content and suffering. Can these co-exist?”
He’d nod. “It’s how you’ll know hope. Apostle Paul learned this when he was a student here at S.S.U.”
“But, Sir, isn’t one degree in suffering sufficient?”
A knowing smile would split across His face while He thumbed the darkened, circular scar in the palm of each hand. “The best way around suffering is to go through it.”
He’d draw me to His side with that long arm, usher me off stage and, at some point, I’d find myself re-enrolled at S.S.U.
A scan of the course offerings suggests I’ll be taking Practical Perseverance II and Character Construction II. The syllabus doesn’t detail any test dates. I’m simply told to expect them and to be ready.
As promised in scripture, the Professor’s required text, I’ll experience hope. Maybe develop a good bit of holiness, too.
Attentive and teachable students in S.S.U. learn that suffering serves a good purpose because God, the Master Engineer, works all things for His glory and for our good.
A great job opportunity awaits those who persevere through the rigors of S.S.U.:
Head of Proclaiming Truth to Incoming Freshmen.
Where are you on the road to S.S.U.? If already enrolled or a worthy graduate, what have you learned?
Thanks for reading! If you found today's post inspirational and know others who would benefit, please share.
Until next time,
✏️If you'd like to receive my blog and/or quarterly author newsletter with bookish giveaways, subscribe here and receive the first 3 chapters of Call to Love, my debut inspirational romance, for FREE!
✏️Here's a link to the talk I gave April 20th with a dear friend of mine. Shining Your Light in Brokenness has received over 120 views!! May it encourage you in seasons of hardship and realign your perspective.