Life in God’s world is very different

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. (2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV)

 We can all agree there’s no place in this world untouched by hardship and suffering. We want to believe that God is good and loving, that He sees everything and that He has the whole world in his hands. However, when evil things happen, those ideas are heavily challenged.
 My wife and I lived and worked in several Asian countries, our work of sharing the gospel led us to befriend both rich and poor, and at all levels of society, we found people who displayed qualities of extraordinary unselfishness and joy. We then better understood that the common denominator wasn’t economic poverty, but suffering. All had their own story of some loss that had awakened in them grace and generosity toward others.
 This world has many illusions. Achievements and money are endlessly pursued, while failure is avoided and looked down upon. But life in God’s world is very different. Failure and suffering are some of the ways God uses to help us see with true perspective.
 Jesus still speaks these words of promise: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:3–8) —J.M. Stirling [1]

 Jesus teaches us to live pain by accepting the reality of life with trust and hope, expressing the love of God and neighbor even in suffering: it is love that transforms everything. —Pope Francis

[1] Activated Fruits of Suffering