From Riches to Rags, and the Glory I Found There

Suffering is no stranger to us. There have been times where I have lulled myself into a false sense of security and I have thought it may have left us. That its grasp weakened and we were able to slip away.  But it has not. Suffering walks amongst us and stays with us faithfully. Clinging to us as if we are it's life force. As if our very weakening gives it strength.  So, no, suffering is no stranger to us.  That being said, I would also say that suffering has been a far greater teacher to us than joy has ever been. Suffering hurts. It's a part of our lives, and it hurts. Nobody likes suffering. Who enjoys to have our worldly flesh chiseled away as we are shaped into a more Christ-like being? But, suffering IS shaping us. It has a godly purpose that , long ago, was written by a perfect composer.  God has written a beautiful melody of joy and suffering that He sings to us in this broken world. Suffering is intertwined with joy, with thankfulness, and wi