Pain.
Hurt.
Suffering.
Have you ever noticed that there’s a kind of secret society you enter once you’ve suffered? The particulars of your story don’t matter as much as the simple fact that you and someone else have felt the same deep pain. Though initiation stinks, there are benefits to membership. Camaraderie is one. You also become more aware of other sufferers around you and feel less self-conscious about offering sympathy. You get to hear their own heart-wrenching stories and learn along with them. You get to rejoice with those who overcome. And in your own darkest moments…you get to draw from the deep wells of authentic wisdom that come from walking through the fire.
–Anonymous, Embracing Obscurity
None of us hope to join the Secret Society of Those Who Suffer, but we all will become members before we end this life.
But instead of worrying about the suffering that is coming, or even the suffering we are in the midst of, how about we think about the benefits of being in the club. The benefits that are mentioned in the above quote: Camaraderie with others. A deeper awareness of the needs of others. Less self-conscious about being sympathetic. And gaining wisdom that can be shared with others due to your own walking through the fire.
Take Jesus’ hand, and let Him lead you safely through the fire, through the darkness, through the suffering that you definitely will experience in this life (or may be experiencing even right now). On the other side are benefits for yourself and others. Be willing to share your experiences with others to help them know how to navigate the treacherous waters with Jesus.