Augustine on Suffering

"When He exposes us to adversities, it is either to prove our perfections or correct our imperfections; and in return for our patient endurance of the sufferings of time, He reserves for us an everlasting reward." Augustine

God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves.

Finally a reward that doesn't cease. I have plenty awards from sports growing up - I'm not talking about the "thanks for your participation" trophies they give out now to every kid because you played the sport and have too thin skin to not get a trophy kind of rewards. They're more the put in the center of my room somewhere when I'm growing up and polish awards. But just as any reward, the recognition dissipated and the rewards tarnished or broke. An "everlasting reward" that cannot be touched or tainted is worth endurance not for rewards sake but for Christ's sake.