one look at suffering

    "And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those that are called according to His purpose."-Romans 8:28.  There is good reason why I opened with that beloved verse from Romans.  As I write this, my hip has been in pain, and I am missing a section of my skull due to infection and surgery.  I say that only because I wanted to reassure you that I am no stranger to suffering.  For I myself tend to be turned off by "armchair philosophers" and "ivory tower thinkers" who stay detached from the dirty realities of life.
   With all that said many of us will one day be tempted to utter words such as 'why Lord!', and 'Lord where are you!'.    Life can be tough!  Where do I start?  Well here goes, and let me warn you:  Don't expect 'happy talk'. 
    The first thing that comes to my mind is the fact that certain virtues can only be developed during adversity.  Such character traits such as patience and courage do not come about unless one is tested and tried.  I have never seen courage express itself  while one is entertained, but I have seen courage raise it's head during scary situations.  So I guess one could conclude that adverse situation can become an opportunity for personal growth. 
     Hard times can also be a time of bonding and an opportunity to find out who really loves you.  The visits and cards I got while recently in the hospital provides a personal example of that. 
      There are also those who get angry at God when illness strikes, (like cancer).  I have read blogs where people figuratively shake their fist at God demanding a hearing from Him.  But where is it written that God owes as an explanation?  Where is written or proven that God owes us anything?  God owes us nothing, while we owe Him everything!  The breath you just took is a gift from God.  When people often say 'It's my life and I'll do what I want'.  I often think to myself, 'Oh really?  How much did you pay for your life?  Where is the certificate or receipt for that body of yours?'  I am not trying to be a smart alec; I am only trying to point out that we did not really purchase our lives or our bodies.  And because of that fact, our lives really belong to God, not ourselves.  It has been my observation that some people who get angry at God during a devastating illness generally want nothing to do with God when things are going good. 
That certainly violates rules of fair conduct, doesn't it?  Is it fair that we demand God to fix things when we have ignored Him as much as possible?  Obviously not.  God is not a cosmic bell-boy ready to do our bidding.  God is loving, but He is also just.  Before I go on please read Genesis 3.  It is a classic example of people ignoring God, then blaming Him for their own failure. 
     For those who say that they have been abandoned by God, my first thought is 'Who moved?'.  God is available to anyone who earnestly seeks Him out!  See Jeremiah 29:13, Mathew 7:7, Psalm 34:10 and others.
  I am certain much more could be said.  I know I was brief.  The reason why I am often brief is because I am well aware of our fast pace society and how it makes us act.  By all means if you have suffered please feel free to share it. Suffering can also serve as  a means of fellowship.