In the movie The Ultimate Gift, a wealthy man dies and leaves his grandson a series of strange gifts. The grandson only wants to know how much money he inherits. However, he can’t find out until he receives each unusual gift, such as work, problems, giving, etc.

Too often I’m like the grandson – waiting for God to give me the “good stuff” while being frustrated with the strange gifts He has bestowed. Philippians 1:29 (NIV) says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” It’s taken a long time, but I’ve finally learned to see suffering as one of God’s unusual gifts.

God’s Word has a lot to say about suffering. Suffering isn’t just part of living on earth; it’s also part of God’s plan. He uses it for our good.

I know it doesn’t feel that way. Suffering feels painful, depressing, hopeless, devastating . . . I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to live with broken health. I’ve experienced the agony of losing loved ones. I’ve been misunderstood and mistreated. I’ve experienced all this and more. Suffering hurts. Yet, Jesus promised His followers we would suffer, and He filled His Word with encouragement for those who are suffering.

Suffering produces character, maturity, and hope (Romans 5:3–4; James 1:2-4). Those who suffer for what is right are blessed (1 Peter 3:14). Suffering allows us to receive God’s comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). God uses hardship and suffering to train us for holiness (Hebrews 12:7–11). Still, even with these encouraging verses, sometimes it’s hard to see suffering as a gift.

There are three specific benefits of suffering I’ve experienced that help me accept this strange gift with gratitude.

1. Suffering has given me a desperate dependence on God’s Word.

When my life was mostly problem-free, it was easy to think I was spiritually mature and had all the answers. Once suffering hit, nothing made sense, and I realized how desperately I needed truth. Psalm 119:92 (NIV) says, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Only God’s Word gives the understanding about God and life that I need to endure trials and hardship.

There have been days when, desperate for answers, I opened my Bible and read, and read, and read . . . until finally, I found the answers or encouragement I needed. The psalmist wrote, “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life” (Psalm 119:50 NIV). Not only does God’s Word provide needed answers, it also holds precious promises that bring great comfort. Through suffering, I’ve discovered more of the riches of God’s Word, sufficient for every day and every need.

2. Suffering has produced deeper fellowship with Jesus.

In Philippians 3:10 (NIV), Paul said, “I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings . . . .” Through suffering, I’ve learned more about who Jesus is, what He’s like, and how He works. Everything I’ve suffered, Jesus also experienced.

I’ve encountered Jesus’ presence and grace in every situation, and I’ve found that He is enough. When every source of happiness this world offers was stripped away, I discovered the “inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8 NIV) of simply knowing my Savior. Paradoxically, sometimes it’s only through pain that Jesus can open our eyes to the joy He alone offers.

3. Suffering has taught me to keep an eternal perspective.

It’s easy to be comfortable and at home in this world – until we experience suffering. Then everything changes. Suffering has made me ask questions like: Why am I here? What is my purpose? What am I living for? I understand now that God created me and put me on this earth for Himself and His glory – not just for my comfort or happiness.

In 1 Peter 4:1–2 (NIV), Peter says that one who has suffered doesn’t live for himself anymore “but rather for the will of God.” I only get one life. I’m thankful that suffering changes my perspective and keeps me from wasting my life on selfish pursuits. Suffering reminds me that right now is just the “warm-up” while eternity is the “main event.” Paul said, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NIV). Understanding this has changed the way I think, what I desire, and how I live. Suffering helps me keep my eyes on heaven, my true home.

I don’t like it, I often complain about it, but I don’t doubt that suffering is a special gift from my loving heavenly Father. At the end of The Ultimate Gift, the purpose of all the strange gifts is revealed. They prepared the grandson to receive his inheritance. God has a purpose too. He knows what we need. Sometimes suffering is the most precious gift we could receive. In the end, we too will understand how God used it to prepare us for our eternal inheritance.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV).

Joanna K. Harris grew up as a missionary kid and then served as a missionary for two years. During that time, she felt called to write. However, she then suffered through more than a decade of chronic illness. In her trials, Jesus taught her more about His grace. She writes to encourage others with God’s grace – always greater than our need. Joanna has authored more than ten books for children and adults. You can sign up for her newsletter and receive two bonus chapters of her devotional memoir on her website: gracepossible.com.