We are not called to rejoice at suffering in and of itself. Suffering is bad, suffering is hard, and suffering often comes at the hands of wicked people. Therefore, we do not rejoice in suffering because we love the suffering in and of itself. We rejoice in suffering because we look forward to what God is able to do through our suffering. Paul [in Romans 5:1-5] celebrated the fact that through our sufferings and afflictions God is bringing about endurance, proven character, and hope.
— Heath Lambert (b. 1979), Theologe, Pastor und Autor
Related Bible passage: ROM.5.1-5
Topics: Suffering & the Question of God, Joy & Gratitude, Hope & Confidence
Occasions: Comfort, For Reflection
Heath Lambert
Heath Lambert (* 1979) ist ein US-amerikanischer baptistischer Theologe, Autor und leitender Pastor der First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Er ist ein führender Vertreter der biblischen Seelsorgebewegung („Biblical Counseling“), die auf der alleinigen Genügsamkeit der Heiligen Schrift für Lebensfragen beharrt und säkulare Psychologie ablehnt. Für Bibelleser bieten seine Schriften theologische Impulse zu Seelsorge und christlicher Lebensführung, während seine strikte theologische Abgrenzung und gemeindliche Vorgaben zu ethischen Fragen wiederholt Kontroversen auslösten.
All quotes by Heath Lambert (17)
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
C.S. Lewis
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become.
Henri Nouwen
He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me. The more intense the pain, the closer His embrace.
Joni Eareckson Tada
Etty Hillesum
God writes straight even on crooked lines.
Paul Claudel
God lets us walk no path that he himself has not walked, and on which he does not go ahead of us.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer