While you live in this world, you will have suffering. You may suffer because of your own bad choices or the bad choices of others. Many times there are deliberate attacks by the enemy. Regardless of how the suffering comes, you can have joy in the midst of it.
The key is keeping your eyes on the prize, not valuing the earthly temporal life more than the eternal. There will be rewards now and in eternity. Remember that I am your great reward. The symbol of the Cross is one of suffering to show My love for you. Jesus yielded His will to Mine in order to have you. You are My joy. Aren't you glad that Jesus had you in mind while He suffered? Now do the same, and keep Him in mind when you suffer. Nothing in this life compares to knowing Me.
Romans 8:16-18 Living Bible (TLB)
16 For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we really are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we will share his treasures—for all God gives to his Son Jesus is now ours too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later.
Hebrews 12:2 New Living Translation (NLT)
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Genesis 15:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”
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