Knowledge To Ponder: Psalm 15; Genesis 50: 18-21
Let’s be honest—suffering is part of life. We all go through something at one point or another, whether it’s loss, heartache, disappointment, or confusion. As my mom used to say, “Just keep living… you’ll see.” And she was right.
Recently, I found myself asking that old familiar question again—“Why?” A close family member passed away, and even though I’ve walked with God for a while now, I still found myself wrestling with that question. Why now? Why like this?
It reminded me of a story I once read about a young man named Glenn Chambers. He had a heart for missions and was headed to Ecuador in 1947 to serve God. Right before his flight, he wrote a quick note to his mom on a piece of scrap paper. The only thing printed on it was the word “Why?” Tragically, his plane crashed, and that note arrived after his death—his mom staring at that haunting question with no immediate answer.
That’s how suffering often feels—confusing, raw, and full of unanswered questions. But over the years, I’ve learned that while I may not always get the answer I want, God doesn’t waste the pain.
One thing I’ve come to understand is this: suffering builds character.
Now, I get it—“building character” sounds like the last thing you want to hear when you’re hurting. But Psalm 15 gives us a glimpse of the kind of character that can withstand anything. David describes a person who:
- Walks with integrity
- Speaks the truth from the heart
- Avoids gossip
- Doesn’t mistreat others
- Keeps promises—even when it’s hard
- Gives generously
- Stays honest
These are the kind of people who, as the psalm ends, “will never be shaken.” Their roots go deep.
And that’s what suffering does—it forces our roots to grow deeper. It strips away the surface stuff and helps us lean fully into God. Over time, we’re no longer tossed around by life’s storms the same way, because we know God’s sovereignty stands taller than any situation.
Paul says it like this in Romans 5:3–5:
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame…”
Hope is what anchors us when nothing makes sense. It’s what reminds us that God is still working—even in the mess.
And let’s not forget—God knows suffering too. He watched His only Son die a brutal death to give us life. What looked like defeat on the cross turned out to be the greatest victory for all of humanity.
Sometimes what looks like the worst thing is actually being used for something bigger than we can imagine.
Joseph’s story reminds me of that too. He could’ve sought revenge, but he chose grace. He told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). That perspective—that long view—is what faith looks like.
So, if you’re in a season of suffering, here’s what I want to gently remind you:
🌱 Your pain is not wasted.
🌱 Your questions don’t disqualify your faith.
🌱 Your suffering is shaping something solid in you.
God is still in it. He’s building character. And He’s preparing you for what’s next.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you accept me as I am, but you do not want me to remain that way. Help me to live a holy life. Help me to see the trials and difficulties I face as part of my character formation. Thank you that at the heart of the universe is the event where you turned evil into good. I put my trust in you. I depend on you. Lord, help me to forgive totally those who have harmed me in any way. Help me to see your hand in everything that happens to me – whether good or bad. Thank you that in all things you are working for the good of those who love you.
As usual, let’s give Him the praise He deserves; there is none other like Him. No One Like Our God by JJ Hairston