Why suffering? Luke 9:23 (ESV) He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself & take up his cross daily & follow me Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; & through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, & the flame shall not consume you. 1Peter 5:10 After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, & establish you. Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 2 Cor 4:17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Matt 5:12 Rejoice & be glad, for your reward is great in heaven,…. — Suffering! Can we say that the way of the cross is not fun or games, it is real suffering that we all will face to some degree! So why suffering? Do you think if everything was great, would anyone volunteer to board the chariot for Heaven? But when things are a real struggle then we are more willing to go! Jesus struggled with the Cross & even questioned, “Father why have you forsaken me?” Then the “not my will but thine be done”! And finally just a thought, suffering is not something that the enemy or anyone looking to copy Jesus would COPY! This is truly part of Gods plan & leads to His full restoration & reward! Love Mel
