James 5:11

James brings Job to our minds as an example of steady endurance in suffering. But how can we be like Job? Should we just suck it up and get with it, gritting it out? What if we don’t have that kind of strength? James commends three thoughts to help us endure:
1) God designs and brings our suffering to us Himself. What happened to Job was not ultimately by Satan’s design; it happened by “the purpose of the Lord.” Every disappointment, every stress, every heartache, every discomfort is ours by God’s set plan.
2) This doesn’t make God our enemy or a cruel Sovereign, for “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” Every loss comes to us from the hands of a loving Father.
3) Ultimately, suffering is for our good, and a blessing awaits us if we remain steadfast.

With these ideas in mind, my suffering takes on a whole new quality. Every trial, no matter how large or small, is a gracious gift from my kind Father designed with my best interest.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take –
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessing on your head.