Wisdom from a 19 year old...

My baby brother Jaron is no stranger to sickness. When he was 12, he developed Ulcerative Colitis, and spent the better part of 2 years in Children's Hospital. At one point he was taking 31 pills a day, and getting IV treatments through a port in his chest. Eventually, he had to have major surgery to have his colon removed. So, when it comes to "suffering" he has some serious wisdom to pass on (well beyond his 19 years!)

I thought I'd share the scriptures he sent me last night....

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
John 9:1-3

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. [...]

1 Peter 3:13-14a

For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:17

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:13

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11