1 Peter 2:20-21 says For what credit is it when you are beaten for your faults you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer if you take it patiently this is commendable before GOD. For to this you were called because CHRIST also suffered for us, leaving us an example that YOU should follow HIS steps.

We often think life owes us happiness, comfort and a bit of prosperity. This is not the true Gospel message, my friend. Isnt JESUS our model whom we should be trying to emulate? Jesus suffered terribly. Satan love to bring suffering and trials on us hoping we become defeated, discouraged and disengaged from GOD. But we can embrace suffering because of what GOD does in our lives through it. Identification with JESUS usually leads to rejection and hardship. If you decide to spend your life on self sacrifice and suffering JESUS promises to make it up to you. GOD will reward you for suffering for HIS name and reputation. Those who suffer for their faith in CHRIST are like their MASTER and perfectly within GODS will. Those most blessed by what JESUS has done in their lives will suffer the most. The privilege of being a Christian is a call to glory through a journey of suffering. We are matured spiritually by this process. It is part of GODS plan to prepare HIS people for Heaven . It is like an injection that GOD uses to purify us. The greater the pressure the more strength and courage JESUS offers. HE becomes our best friend.

How true, sister! The closer we press into HIM, the more the world and those uninclined to leave it...attack, detract, and so forth...our frames. It is worthy, oh so worthy though! Our suffering loss thankfully is only temporal...for Heaven's shore and boundless blessings are eternal! The Hope of our Calling!

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Whitney