I bless you to rejoice
In your sufferings.

Note well:

I do not bless you
To rejoice for your sufferings,
We’re not masochists;

I bless you to rejoice
In your sufferings,
In the midst of adversity.

What blessing is there in times of suffering?

“… We rejoice in our sufferings,
Knowing that suffering produces endurance,
And endurance produces character,
And character produces hope….”
Romans 5:3-4, ESV

Endurance (literally bearing under the weight)
Produces character in your soul
The way a weight lifter
Builds muscle in his body.

At first it hurts.
Tiny micro-tears in muscle tissue
Feel the strain
But grow back stronger, bigger.

So, if you’re facing something weighty,
Take heart,
You’re building up your hope muscle!