October 1, 2026
I heard this story about a monastery in Portugal that sat on top of a cliff. At 3,000 feet, the only way to reach it was by a terrifying basket ride. Attached to a single rope, the swaying basket was raised and lowered by a group of monks from the top.
An American tourist who was visiting the site got frightened halfway up the cliff when he noticed that the rope was old and beginning to fray. Nervously, he asked his guide: “How often do you change the rope?”
“Whenever it breaks, ” the man replied.
We all come to such a breaking point from time to time. On such occasions, words like these from Scripture are quite helpful: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4 NASB). Given these words, consider the following:
Stress is inevitable -Observe that James doesn’t say if, but rather, “when you encounter trials.” Peter penned, “Do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
We’re living in enemy occupied territory, a world in which the devil is the “prince of the power of the air.” Being believers doesn't shield us from challenges. In fact, that may create more. Jesus went as far as to say, “you will be hated by all because of My name” (Matthew 10:22).
Stress is beneficial - Articles reporting about risks related to stress, both mental and physical, are countless. That said, there is such a thing as good stress, especially when. viewed through the lens of faith.
First, stress (aka: trials, suffering, tribulations), however you want to define it, helps us put things in proper perspective. Good times seem all the more sweeter after going through a season of difficulty.
Next, such times help us to sympathize with others. Experiencing a job loss, medical crisis, death of a loved one, prodigal child, etc., cause us to relate so much better to others facing similar circumstances.
Also, hard times produce endurance. Satan tempts us in order to tear us down. God tests us in order to build us up (recall 1 Peter 4:12). Difficulty should prompt us to go to God, as opposed to leaning solely on our own strength and that of others.
Whether reading Friedrich Nietzsche or listening to Kelly Clarkson, you’ve surely heard “What does not kill me makes me stronger.” Obviously, there are exceptions. Yet, overall, that statement packs a lot of truth.
Finally, suffering provides preparation for heaven. Back during the Great Depression, a good man lost his wife, job, and home. His faith was all he had left, and it was wavering.
One day, while walking through his neighborhood, he stopped to watch a crew of workers doing stonework for a church. Noticing a man working meticulously on a piece of rock, he asked, “Where are you going to put that?” Pointing to the top of the church, the worker said, “See that little opening up near the spire? That’s where it goes. I’m shaping it down here so it will fit in up there.”
We’re never more like Christ than when experiencing suffering. If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12 NASB). He’s shaping us down here so we’ll fit in up there. Suffering has its blessings.
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
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