And when you suffer, you may be completely in the dark about the reason for your own suffering. It may seem as senseless to you as Jesus's suffering seemed to the disciples. But the cross tells you what the reason isn't. It can't be that God doesn't love you; it can't be that he has no plan for you. It can't be that he has abandoned you. Jesus was abandoned, and paid for our sins, so that God the Father would never abandon you. The cross proves that he loves you and understands what it means to suffer. It also demonstrates that God can be working in your life even when it seems like there is no rhyme or reason to what is happening.
--- Timothy Keller, King's Cross
Whatever the degree of your suffering... God is faithful to His Word... it is why Jesus could do what He did... God's faithfulness... and the joy... not in the moment... but set before Him...
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
(emphasis mine)
It's not that we have to be happy with... in... suffering... but trust God's Word... His faithfulness... to restore...
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and,
grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12
Lord... as we approach the cross... Your crucifixion... fill us with a willing spirit... to endure suffering... trust Your faithfulness... and reach for the joy...
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