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“But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:20b-21, NIV)

To “follow in his steps” means going wherever He may go, even into the crucible of personal suffering for doing good.

Because He has left us “an example,” it means doing as He has done: Enduring suffering for God’s glory.

To imitate Jesus is our calling! It may be the only glimpse of Christ at work through suffering that some of your neighbors, co-workers, family members, and friends see today. – Luther

Tagged discipleship, endurance, suffering, the book of 1 Peter

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“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.” (Hebrews 12:7-8, NIV)

Even as flawed parents, we hope that our children will become as we are — only better. So, we allow various kind of inconveniences (of varying severity) to achieve that goal. Perfect in every way, our heavenly Father’s ultimate goal for you and me is that we become exactly like Him!

Whether we view the inevitable hardships of life as punishment (as some do); or as preparation (as others do), depends on the nature of our relationship with God.

When difficulties and hardships invade your life, do you ask, “Why”; or do you say, “Why not”? – Luther

Tagged discipline, endurance, hardship, the book of Hebrews

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3, NIV)

As we mature as disciples of Jesus, we ought not to fret the appearance of “trials of many kinds.” According to James, such occasions are opportunities to develop in us the endurance that is required for the days ahead.

We should also look at “the testing of [our] faith” as a natural step in validating it, as an examiner tests the knowledge of a physician before he or she is licensed to practice medicine; or as a flight examination tests the knowledge and technical proficiency of a commercial pilot before he or she is permitted to carry members of the paying public.

Who would knowingly consult a physician whose knowledge had never been tested? Who would knowingly board a plane whose captain’s flying skills had never been examined through testing? Testing is a good thing.

We can “consider it pure joy” in the hour of trial because we know that it validates our faith; and develops within us the endurance we need for all future challenges. Because we are being made ready, we may smile in the trial. – Luther

Tagged endurance, joy, testing, the book of James, trial