This may be difficult to understand, especially during times of extreme turmoil or trauma, but it’s true: Whatever happens in this life, whatever God allows through His permissive will, is always for our sanctification.
Suffering does not cause sanctification. If it did, everyone would be a saint because everyone suffers. If we don’t get this straight, we may inflict suffering on ourselves with the hope of getting more grace. Our humility toward God is what opens us up to grace; then when we suffer, we draw on the peace and strength from grace to deal with inevitable suffering (cf. 1Peter 5:5-7; James 4:5-10; Philippians 4:6-7; Proverbs 3:5; Isaiah 55:7-9).
Suffering does not cause sanctification. If it did, everyone would be a saint because everyone suffers. If we don’t get this straight, we may inflict suffering on ourselves with the hope of getting more grace. Our humility toward God is what opens us up to grace; then when we suffer, we draw on the peace and strength from grace to deal with inevitable suffering (cf. 1Peter 5:5-7; James 4:5-10; Philippians 4:6-7; Proverbs 3:5; Isaiah 55:7-9).