How can suffering be seen as a gift for Christians?

In Philippians 1:29, Paul states that it is granted to believers not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for His sake. This perspective on suffering is profound in sovereign grace theology, which teaches that suffering is part of God’s sanctifying work in our lives. It serves as a reminder of our dependence on Christ and fosters spiritual growth. Embracing suffering as a divine instrument allows believers to mature in their faith, encouraging reliance on God's strength during challenging times, ultimately drawing us nearer to Him.