Afflictions

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding Joy” (1 Peter 4: 12,13, NKJV).
The path toward hope is one of suffering, sorrows and pain. It doesn’t matter how pious, loving or good you are. If Christ is in you, you will become a partaker in his sufferings.
...Rejoice in suffering? This is one of those hard saying of Scriptures, indeed, one of the very hardest. ~~ David Wilkerson