Suffering

All that will live godly in Christ will suffer persecution. The road to the kingdom is rugged and perilous.He makes us to glory in tribulation: for this is the road by which all the former saints went to the kingdom; the way by which all are going now; the way by which the Master went during His sojourn here.  Our way winds, the road is rough, the world is dark, enemies are many, and snares are subtlety laid for our feet. We need a guide, and that guide must be Divine. Jehovah is to us now what He was to Israel when He led them through the wilderness with His pillar-cloud.  The road is rugged, and the sun is hot. How can we be but weary? Here is grace for the weariness—grace which lifts us up and invigorates us; grace which keeps us from fainting by the way; grace which supplies us with manna from heaven, and with water from the smitten rock. We receive of this grace, and are revived. Our weariness of heart and limb departs. We need no other refreshment. This is enough. Whatever the way be—rough, gloomy, unpleasant—we press forward, knowing that the same grace that has already carried thousands through will do the same for us.  The road to the Kingdom is not so pleasant, and comfortable, and easy, and flowery, as many dream. It is not a bright sunny avenue of palms. It is not paved with triumph, though it is to end in victory. The termination is glory, honor, and immortality; but on the way, there is the thorn in the flesh, the sackcloth, and the cross. Recompense yonder; but labor here! Rest yonder; but weariness here! Joy and security yonder; but here endurance and watchfulness—the race, the battle, the burden, the stumbling block, and ofttimes the heavy heart.