because suffering produces perserverence
http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/conference-messages/suffering-for-the-sake-of listening to Joni Erikson Tada, she has been so much and has so much insight. Of course there is much blessing in her life but i'm convinced that even if not, she will still be cheerful. As she says, the suffering is not the event but the attitude to the event that needs to be submitted to our Lord. It's been a hard few weeks of struggling with the attitudes of old. A critical spirit, a grumbling spirit. Old feelings resurfacing. And remembering that the grace of God has brought me so far and He promises to continue guiding me along.