How I manage suffering, pain and heartache has evolved over my lifetime from viewing it as something very negative to a positive adventure that God allows to happen for a purpose.
In most cases I have no control over the things that cause it. However, it is always an opportunity for me to learn obedience in some form by submitting to the Lord’s discipline instead of fighting it.
When I resist hardship or misfortune I have discovered that my struggle with it produces a negative attitude in me that testifies to others that I am not trusting God. However, when I surrender to Him and gratefully seek to observe His intended purpose for letting it happen, I am able to witness a glorious miracle as He transforms my outlook on the circumstances.
I pray that God will keep me mindful that He is always working in me to will and do of His good pleasure.