The other day I was in an argument with God, and I ended up learning something that is worth writing down and remembering.

"Why do I have to get out of bed? Why does following You require me to suffer so much?"

"... in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— " -2 Corinthians 11 exerpt

Well, it seems I'm right, if I obey you, I will be led into pain.

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." - 2 Timothy 3:12

Great.

"... as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation." - 2 Corinthians 1:7b

But sometimes even the reward seems not enough of an encouragement to get up and get beaten up. Why is it necessary to take us through trials with pain and anguish?

"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." -hebrews 12:3

"...His visage was marred more than any man..." -Isaiah 52:14b (He was beaten so badly, He was unrecognizable as human)

...Consider Him.... Quite humbling to remember the torment Jesus went through, and how he obeyed not with whining and complaining, or bitterness and anger. What was His motivation? How can I learn from Him?

"...who loved me and gave Himself for me" -galatians 2:20b

"...who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;" 1 Peter 2:23

"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." -luke 22:42

"...He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" -philippians 2:8

Jesus did it, He endured it, because He loved His father and because He loved me. That's good enough. That is motivation enough for me to be willing to be subjected to immense suffering. Jesus did it for others, He did it out of trust and love for God. He didn't insist on His own way. He choose to stay obedient even when He saw that the path led to the slaughter house.

"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, ..." - hebrews 12:2a

I know that some people enjoy their sufferings for Christ. But I do not see myself doing so.

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake." 2 corinthians 12:10a

"So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." -acts 5:41

But what is the difference? Why did Christ endure it, and the disciples almost enjoy it? ...Because they were glad to be doing it for Him, for His name, for His kingdom. Out of love they were proud to be associated with such a person. To suffer along with Him they counted as an honor.

Okay now for the happy finish!

"Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets." -luke 6:22-23

"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

"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." 1 peter 4:14

"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." -revelation 2:10

"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it." - mark 8:35