AFFLICTION ENDEARS THE SOUL TO JESUS

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, [God’s] way to finding yourself” (Matt 16:24-26 MSG).

“Jesus answered, that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I have conquered the world” (John 16:31-33 MSG).

“In the days of his flesh [Jesus] offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him” (Heb 5:7-9 ESV).

“[T]he whole body of the faithful, so long as they live on the earth, must be like sheep for the slaughter, in order that they may be conformed to Christ their head” John Calvin (ref#113, p468).

“Have you ever thought of the sympathy of Christ? Have you ever thought of Him as bearing that cross with you, entering into its distinctiveness and its minutest circumstance? ‘Then why, if so tender and sympathizing, does He place this cross on me?’ Because of His wisdom and love. He sees that you need that cross. The preciousness and tenderness of Jesus are learned in the dark hour of suffering” Octavius Winslow (ref#135, Aug 4^th).

“God will take care of everything you need in the glory that pours from Jesus” (Phil 4:18-20 MSG).