Sometimes we get so used to hearing sermons about being blessed all the time, that we don’t want to hear anything about suffering. It’s true that blessings and prosperity do belong to us as citizens of the kingdom of God—and it is wonderful to follow Jesus and live in that kingdom.

But it is not always fun. Sometimes it is difficult and painful to our flesh. Sometimes it involves suffering. Before we can have the fullness of the glory of God, we as Christians need to ask ourselves whether or not we are really willing to live for Jesus. Are we really willing to pay the cost?

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
(1 Peter 5:10 NKJV)