I'm almost sad to wrap up this little adventure in learning we've been on, but praise the Lord, there is so much more to learn of His goodness!  Suffering is nearly as difficult to do as it is to understand.  I don't think we can ever fully grasp with our minds the meaning behind our pain, this is a beast that must be taken on in spirit, with The Spirit guiding us all the while.

In John 16:33, Jesus told us of the pain we would face due to our reborn status as His brothers and sisters and He reminded us of the victory we will undoubtedly have in Him. 

"In the world you face persecution.  But take courage; I have conquered the world!" 

Our peace rests in this verse, if in no other.  Christ conquered this world, and He wants to lead us to that same victory.  Hallelujah!

We will be greatly encouraged if we are intentional in seeing that part of our living out God's purpose for us involves being beaten and battered as we take up our cross in pursuit of eternity.

"There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, 'It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God'" (Acts:14:22, NRSV).

We can also take joy from our suffering if we can train our hearts to look vertically when trouble is on the horizon.  Seeing the gift of being changed by our Lord through the use of our circumstance as an honor, even if only in short bursts at a time, is still food for a weary soul.  Philippians 1:29 speaks so wonderfully to this aspect of suffering.

"For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well--"

We are called to suffering to prove God's strength and faithfulness to bring us through.  We suffer well to bring Him the glory from giving us grace and peace under pressure.  Our trials bring us closer to the Christ-like status we as disciples strive for during our short time on earth.

"Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good" (1 Peter 4:19, NRSV).

We should wear our suffering as a tribute to the King, not martyring ourselves, not with a grumbling heart, but with the joy of knowing we're going to move on shining bright for the world to see.  Seeing hope in the eyes of the struggling people of the world helps people to see Jesus.  We suffer to save souls.

Suffering is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be inescapable.  We find our exit route in Christ...the way out is to always be looking straight up!

"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.  'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.'  When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:21-23, NRSV).

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