Suffering

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11)

...our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8: 18)

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs wit Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:16-18)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced... We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:8-9)

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

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Dear Lord God, I don’t like pain and suffering! If there is any other way for you to accomplish your will in my life, please remove my suffering. But just like Jesus, help me to mean it when I say “thy will be done.” Help me to fix my eyes upon Jesus -who suffered more than I can ever imagine -- physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. He endured the pain so that my sufferings can be temporary. Heendured the cross so that I can look forward to a glorious eternity with you. Please give me grace in my trials, relief for my pain, peace in my turmoil, strength for today, and sweet rest in your loving arms. Please use my sufferings as a blessing in disguise -- a platform for Your glory to be displayed. I surrender to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen