Why God Writes Suffering into your Story

  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Romans 8

Recently I was chatting online with a friend who is going through a great deal of pain and suffering. God brought to my mind the book I'm currently working on, The Resolute. For those of you who are not writers, and maybe for some who are, my process of creating a storyline and character arcs goes something like this. 

 

I start out with one or two main characters and I list all their faults, sins, wrong opinions about God, weaknesses, Etc. Then I draw a line to the end of the book and I list there how all these things have changed. For instance, someone who is prideful becomes humble, someone who is an atheist becomes a believer, someone who thinks God is a bully, ends up knowing Him as a Savior and friend. Then, I create a storyline full of plot twists and many many trials and struggles that will get these characters from point A to point B. In fact, it is my job as the author to create as many tragedies and difficult times for them as I can. Often my characters fine themselves in impossible situations where they have no idea how they will survive. This both keeps the suspense up for the reader, but provides opportunities for the characters to change, both in their personal faults and sins, but mainly in their walk with God.

It occurred to me that Father God is the ultimate Story Teller. The Bible contains the greatest story ever told!  For each one of us, He starts out with a human mess full of sin and sinful desires, a product of perhaps bad parenting or genetics, upbringing, environment, personal weaknesses, and different events in our lives. 

But God sees the end. He sees us at the end of our lives here on earth as beautiful children who have learned to be humble, kind, selfless, giving, who have overcome our weaknesses and sins and who have wholly submitted to Him and love Him with all our hearts!  At least that's what He wants for us! 

Now, He must allow and create situations in between point A and point B that will mold us and shape us and keep us moving in the right direction.. onto that narrow path as we become more and more like Jesus. And just like in my novels, those situations and events are difficult, hard, tragic, and sometimes even life threatening. But how else can He change us? How else can He make us like Jesus and change us into His Children?  Change never happens through good times and pleasant events, through luxury and ease. Change only comes through suffering. 

That's why the Scripture says:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  James 1:2-4

In these End Times I know many of are suffering, and as the world grows increasingly evil, hard times will come. Yes, the Lord promises to protect His Own and that the Gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church. But that doesn't mean He won't allow trials in our own lives to continue to mold and shape us into His Image. Our sanctification will not stop until we hear that Trumpet blow! 

So, I pray we all endure the struggles and trials which come our way! Let us endure them and learn from them and use them for God's Glory. And remember, NOTHING you are enduring now is worthy to even be compared to the Glory of being with Jesus. Soon and very soon!