God uses suffering to purge sin from our lives, strengthen our commitment to Him, force us to depend on grace, bind us together with other believers, produce discernment, foster sensitivity, discipline our minds, spend our time wisely, stretch our hope, cause us to know Christ better, make us long for truth, lead us to repentance of sin, teach us to give thanks in time of sorrow, increase faith, and strengthen character.
Joni Eareckson TadaOne problem I have with faith-healing is that it tends to be focused only on the physical aspect of healing. But Jesus always backed away when people came to him only to get their physical needs met. My goodness, he was ready to have you lop off your hand! His real interest was in healing the soul.
Joni Eareckson TadaHeartache forces us to embrace God out of desparate, urgent need. God is never closer than when your heart is aching.
Joni Eareckson TadaGod's purpose in increasing our trials is to sensitize us to people we never would have been able to relate to otherwise.
Joni Eareckson Tada