Every believer is subject to suffering even though we would all like to coast through life without any issues.
By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Romans 8:
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the Sons of GOD.
And Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians chapter 4:
8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed
There are positive aspects to suffering for those who are called to minister to the hurting masses. If you have suffered yourself, you tend to be more compassionate to those who are in need. You are also less apt to judge the weaknesses of those who have been unable to exercise their trust and faith in FATHER.
Am I willing to suffer for Christ? Absolutely! Do I believe my suffering has purpose by a FATHER WHO loves me even though I may not understand the big picture? Yes, for HIS Love is not intended to punish me but to instruct me to be Christ-like in al that I do.
Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Galatians chapter 6:
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Let us develop the spirit of gentleness toward those those who are overtaken. We must not think of ourselves too highly for Christ in us is the hope of Glory, we have nothing individually apart from Christ.
In Job chapter 2 it is written by THE SPIRIT:
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”
10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
FATHER will allow adversity to come our way for testing and training. Whether you curse GOD or be grateful for HIS Love, the adversity will still come. We must remember adversity is temporary not allow pain and suffering to dictate our future. I would rather suffer with Christ that I also may be glorified together than to take the alternative path. Selah!