Question of the Week: Are We Thankful for the Bad Things?

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians 4:8–10

Since this is Thanksgiving, I figured the question of the week needed to be something appropriate for the holiday. However, I didn't want to be that lame guy who asks everyone what they're thankful for. So I'm asking a related question.

Many of us these last few years have been met with suffering. Whether its unemployment, health problems, family problems, or any other problems, these have been difficult times. A common theme throughout the Bible is suffering. Jesus didn't say that if we follow him we might suffer, he said that we will. Some suffering comes from faith, some from the unexpected mishaps of life. Either way, we will all suffer.

The question that I'm asking myself and want to pose to you all is whether or not we suffer well. It is easy for us at Thanksgiving to think about all the good things that happen to us and thank God for it. But do we thank him for the bad things. God calls us to rejoice in suffering, to thank Him for trials, because it is often times through suffering that God does the most in us.

My sister recently posted an incredible story of being thankful for suffering in her blog. I definitely recommend reading it here. Also, when Lauren and I moved into our house, we went through a period of hard times where God taught us a lot.

If you have a story of how God used hard times to show his glory, please share them. God has given many of us a great story to tell of God providing even in the midst of difficulty. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!