Spiritual Reflections
Suffering strengthens character and faith
Pat Ozment Jr. IMB Missionary to Ghana
Have you ever asked "why me?"

Now, I don't ask "why me" when it comes to suffering, because, I'm so "spiritually mature." I know I deserve to suffer, but I don't like it. I know that suffering, comes with life, in this fallen and sinful world. I know that suffering strengthens my character, and my faith.

I still don't like it. I also know that Romans 8:28 covers my suffering, but that doesn't make me like it.

When I ask "why me" I'm asking about all the blessings that God pours out on me. Oh, I know that God blesses whom He will, out of His amazing grace, compassion, mercy and love, but why me?

Being in Africa has revealed the answer to this great mystery for me.

I have decided to share my wisdom with you, though I ought to make you find the answer for yourselves. It has taken me 63 years, and living for a year in the "Dark Continent" to find it.

Why should you learn the secret without paying the same fee? I'm just a nice guy, aren't you glad?

Having brought you to the very brink of such life changing knowledge, I guess it is necessary that I take you full course. Get your pencil and paper ready, here it is.

God blesses me because, are you ready? God blesses me because of the many times that I have caused Him to laugh.

Most of the time when I make people laugh it is by accident, and it is no different when I make God laugh. I make Him laugh when I try to help Him. In fact when I consider me, helping Him, I get tickled myself. The idea is hilarious.

I make Him laugh when I stay up nights, or toss and turn because of worry. One of His favorite humorous questions is "Which of you, by worrying, can add one cubic to his stature?"

Sometimes I bring God great humor, sometimes I bring Him joy. I bring Him joy when I come to Him by faith, as a little child.

Bring God joy, and I'll see you in Church.

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