When you look back over your life, you’ll see the faithfulness of God: where He promoted you, protected you, healed you, favored you. Don’t take it for granted. It didn’t happen by accident; it wasn’t a lucky break. That’s the goodness of God.
Sometimes life doesn’t feel fair; you get more than your share of bad breaks. It’s easy to get bitter and give up on your dreams. But God wouldn’t have allowed it if it was going to keep you from your destiny. He promises He’ll give you grace for every season.
You said "what punishment of gods are not gifts. Do you really believe that?" @andersoncooper, choking back tears, asks Stephen Colbert, as they discuss grief.
"Yes," replies the comedian. "It's a gift to exist and with existence comes suffering. There's no escaping that."