If we suffer (endure), we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us – 2nd Timothy 2:12

All Christians, but especially ministers are soldiers of Jesus Christ. The soldiers of Jesus Christ must prove themselves good soldiers, faithful to their Captain. Those who would approve themselves good soldiers of Jesus Christ must endure hardness; we must count upon it in this world, and bear it patiently when it comes.

Rather we’re believers or non believers, life will bring hard knocks. Some blows will knock you to your knees, but even then, we must know that God is with us. God is always with those who place their faith in Him. Many take salvation as an exempt from pain and suffering, but salvation  removes the wrath of God from us. Endurance comes with sanctification and many professing to be Christians don’t accomplish this stage of salvation.

Suffering doesn’t always mean it has to be a sickness, but different trials and tribulations (Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God – Acts 14:22). When we go through difficult seasons, we must endure them without sinning against God, and blaming God. Jesus informed His disciples then and now, in the world we will have tribulation, but He has overcome the world (These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world – John 16:33). Because Jesus has overcome the world, so can we because of His Spirit living within us.

When God allows tribulations, it’s to strengthen our faith, remove debris that’s hindering our faith, and to draw us closer to Him. Suffering isn’t sickness, but it’s building blocks to get us prepared for heaven.