It is no wonder when bad things happen to bad people. Such suffering is often deserved as it is a result of evil deeds. The Bible is replete with the examples of those who have done wrong and paid the price for their evil deeds. The apostle Peter writes, "for what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently?" (1 Peter 2:20 a).  Indeed, such a one has simply reaped what he has sown. 

Yet Peter continues, "But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God" (1 Peter 2:20 b). Despite this exhortation to patience, when bad things happen to good people, many are quick to throw their arms up in air and cry out to God, "Why me?" "What have I done to deserve this?" "Why must I suffer so?"

Next to our Lord Jesus, Job is probably the greatest example of one who, for no fault of his own, suffered awfully at the hands of Satan, yet took it patiently. Did Job throw up his arms in despair and essentially ask the same question? Certainly. The difference between the response of Job and many today is that Job never rejected or denied God through the course of his sufferings, even when Satan did his worst.

We today can learn much from Job's example. Whether it be the physical infirmities and afflictions of the flesh (disease, age, illness, pain, sorrow, etc.), spiritual suffering for the cause of Christ (persecution, ridicule, etc.), or even injustices at the hands of governments, powers or other tormentors, our attitude in suffering will either make us or break us. There are lessons to be learned in suffering and blessings to be received to those who endure ... but only when our perspective on suffering is right (read 1 Peter 5:10 and James 5:10-11). 

What is your perspective on suffering? Have you considered the positive benefits that can only come from enduring hardships and sufferings or are you too overwhelmed with the negative to appreciate the positive?