We become more reliant upon God: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8-10 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.

We gain God’s eternal perspective: ROMANS 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

We grow in faith: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

We can anticipate future glory: 1 PETER 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

We can identify with Christ: PHILIPPIANS 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

We can grow in character: HEBREWS 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

We persevere toward hope: ROMANS 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

We persevere toward maturity and completeness: JAMES 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

We can overcome sin: 1 PETER 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

We can resist temptation: HEBREWS 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

We become more conscious of God: 1 PETER 2:19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

We are blessed: MATTHEW 5:3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Therefore, we need to deepen our commitment: 1 PETER 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Good will result for those who love him: ROMANS 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

We need to thank God for our suffering: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

We can never fully understand why God allows some of us to suffer: ISAIAH 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

God’s wisdom is deeper than we can understand: ROMANS 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

All we can do is trust God: PSALMS 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge … and trust Christ: JOHN 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me [Jesus].

Christ has overcome the world: JOHN 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus is the only way: JOHN 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Eternal life is only through total trust in Christ: JOHN 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

There is no other way: ACTS 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”