For Your Good

After winning the Leeds Piano Competition in 1972, Murray Perahia was catapulted into the limelight. For the next 20 years, he solidified his reputation as a preeminent pianist, winning awards and selling out concerts worldwide.

Then 20 years later, without warning, he experienced complications from a surgery. The impact was so severe that it appeared that his career might be over. For four years, he went from doctor to doctor, but no one could help. Finally, the problem was diagnosed correctly and the problem corrected.

After he recovered, listeners could tell that Perahia had changed. As he acknowledged, his understanding had intensified, and his playing conveyed more profound insights. Looking back, he acknowledged the benefits from these experiences. He confessed, “Suffering does make you grow.”

Throughout his recovery, Perahia studied the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The result was deeper levels of music making. Listening to Perahia’s recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, one critic observed that it was “beyond praise.” The depths clearly would not have been possible had Perahia not gone through those experiences.

The Bible reminds us that God may allow us to go through difficult experiences. But we need to remember that He is focused on long-term benefits. Training us and shaping our lives. Helping us become more mature, and better servants.

Remember that God knows what you are going through. He never will abandon you. But always remember the promises from His Word.

Make sure to cooperate with God and be sensitive to His work in your life. Never be discouraged or give up. Remember that He wants you to grow in your faith and become more mature. To help you learn more about His Spirit. To change you and teach you new things. To refine you. Trust Him.