Back To Home Page To Archives - Spring of Life - H. Roger Bothwell Good Can Come From Heartbreak When bad things happen and our hearts break we are often tempted to ask why God allowed it to occur. “Surely,” we think, “He could have prevented this.” The truth is He could. But what kind of people would we end up being if our relationship with God totally cushioned us from all pain and suffering? One of the major goals God has for us is to grow totally into His likeness. God has experienced tremendous pain and loss. With the first rebellion of Lucifer in heaven to and beyond the cross of Jesus til now God suffers with His children. I realize that Heb 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” But I cannot believe this text means God is not affected by the pain of His children. The cross had to have a permanent effect. He is the same in that He loves and will always love but love grows. Love cannot be stagnate. It either grows or shrivels. God’s love for us grows. It is more today than yesterday. It is more this year than last. Our pain deepens His concern and compassion for us. If we are to as He is we too will suffer pain and hardship. It teaches us to empathize. It shocks us into the reality of the suffering of others. It makes us long to do all we can to hasten the coming of Jesus so all pain will cease. From our pain comes depth of character if we will allow the Holy Spirit control. There is danger that pain could harden. That is subject to our choice. The kind of person we become is not an accident. It is not forced upon us by circumstances or birth. It is the product of our choice. I'm Roger Bothwell and my address is hrb1@tiac.net or 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453. Thank you for your support of our faith ministry. Past devotionals can be accessed at Archives