His Perfect Work

No doubt, should someone we love be in emanate physical danger, we would use all our power and resources to rescue them ... and rightly so! God says, "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1;4). I'd venture most of us would be more willing to endure hardship ourselves than to watch a loved one suffer. Paul called for rejoicing in suffering because "tribulation brings about perseverance ... perseverance, proven character ... proven character, hope" (Romans 5:2-4 NASB). God showed me more than once that when I tried to "play the fixer" in the lives of my children, I was only interfering in what He was doing in their lives. That's never a good move! If we really trust God in all things, we understand that "hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who was given to us" (Romans 5:5 NASB). That work God is doing not only in our lives but in the lives of those we love is His work having its full effect, a bringing about of perfection and completion. Oh, yes, it's hard to not interfere and do all we can to avert the suffering even if only for a moment. God has something to say about that as well: "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV). The best we can do for ourselves and those who may be going through tough times is to pray and offer encouragement, patiently trusting The Lord to complete in us and them ... His perfect work.