1 Peter 4:12-19

Contrary to a lot of popular teaching today, the Christian life is not an assured quick-fix.  It can actually be a very difficult struggle.  Sometimes it even seems like the closer you draw to God, the more the enemy tempts and assaults you.

In spite of the sufferings we go through in life, what waits for us on the other side makes all of it pale in comparison.  Doing good often leads to some type of suffering.  This has been seen time & time again.  It’s often said that whatever doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.  The trials that we face unite us to Christ’s suffering in a special way.

So, we should never be ready to throw in the towel because we face a lot of sorrow and tribulation at times.  Our difficulties are not some random incident without any purpose.  God will either shield us from our suffering or give us strength to bear it.  Let’s always be thankful for His gifts!