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Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5"We are invited to make our life one continuous inquiry into God's ways. Disciples are people who want to be with Jesus so much that they order their entire life around that desire."
-- Dallas Willard
"There is a kind of suffering that is part of the promise of the Christian life. It is not a sign that God has abandoned us but that God has claimed us. It is not punishment but participation."
-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"We are not objects of fear -- we Christians do no harm, we are harmless. Yet you call us public enemies and instigate the masses against us as if we were sorcerers of every kind of crime. We have filled your cities, islands, fortresses, towns, council chambers, even the camps, tribes, decuries, the palace, the senate, the forum. We leave you only your temples."
-- Tertullian, *Apology*, Chapter 37
"Mortification abates sin's deceits, weakens its power, and dries up its springs. He that does not mortify sin is like a man who carries a snake in his bosom and is surprised when it bites him."
-- John Owen, *Of the Mortification of Sin*
What suffering in your life right now are you treating as an intruder rather than as raw material that God intends to convert into endurance, character, and hope?
"Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well."
-- Epictetus, *Enchiridion*, Chapter 8
St. Clair, MI -- Clear, 45°F, Humidity 87%, Wind ↓11mph